“I can’t say enough about what Robin was here for us, and how he was in the clubhouse as well.” -BRIAN CASHMAN

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ANAHEIM – They watched his swing slow to the point where it often appeared Robin Ventura was trying to move his bat underwater. Privately, they knew something had to be done about upgrading third base; even if the Yankees loved everything about him.

Yesterday, after they acquired the 30-year-old Aaron Boone from the Reds for Brandon Claussen, a minor-league hurler and $1 million, the Yankees shipped Ventura, 36, to the Dodgers for minor-league outfielder Bubba Crosby and right-handed pitcher Scott Proctor.

“He did a tremendous job as a Yankee,” GM Brian Cashman said of Ventura, who was batting .251 with nine homers and 42 RBIs. “I can’t say enough about what Robin was here for us, and how he was in the clubhouse as well. But the fact of the matter is because of the stage in his career it was likely that we would be looking for a third baseman this winter.

“I think third base is the most difficult position to fill in the major leagues. When Aaron Boone became available on the market we felt it was one of those rare opportunities and one of those opportunities we couldn’t pass up. It’s not only a deal for next year but upgrades that position significantly at third base this year.”

Crosby, 26, was batting .361 (100-for-277) with 12 homers and 57 RBIs in 76 games with Las Vegas (Triple-A). This year, his .361 average and .635 slugging percentage lead the Pacific Coast League. Crosby was selected by the Dodgers in the first-round (23rd overall) of the 1998 draft. He will report to Columbus (Triple-A).

Proctor, 28, was 5-4 with a 2.58 ERA in 41 relief appearances with Double-A Jacksonville and Triple-A Las Vegas. He will also report to Columbus.

Making room

The Yankees traded third baseman Robin Ventura to the Dodgers yesterday for two minor-leaguers, clearing the position for Aaron Boone.

Here’s a look at the deal:

DODGERS GET

Robin Ventura

36-year-old lefty-hitting third baseman

Acquired from Mets prior to 2001 season

This season:

.251, 9 HR, 42 RBIs

Last season:

.247, 27 HR, 93 RBIs

YANKEES GET

Bubba Crosby

26-year-old lefty-hitting outfielder

Drafted in first round, 1998

Leading PCL in batting

This season at Triple-A Las Vegas

.361, 12 HR, 57 RBIs

Scott Proctor

28-year-old right-handed pitcher

Drafted in fifth round, 1998

This season at Double-A Jacksonville

and Triple-A Las Vegas

5-4, 2.58 ERA in relief