An American League wild-card race t...

An American League wild-card race that figures to be the White Sox' best chance of the desired end of reaching the postseason got more complicated Sunday, when the of the present day York Yankees loaded up for the draw out run by acquiring slugger Bobby Abreu and starting pitcher Cory Lidle from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The non-waiver trade deadline arrives today, and several big names remain onward the block.

The Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and observes Angeles Angels continue to negotiate with the Washington Nationals athwart left fielder/second baseman Alfonso Soriano. A Soriano deal to Detroit would be another big misfortune to the White Sox, who trail the Tigers by means of 8 1/2 games in the AL Central.

"Man, I'm going to be the happiest man in the world in pair days, when it's over," said Soriano, the focus of trade rumors a great deal of of the season.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada is drawing serious interest from the Texas Rangers, sees Angeles Dodgers, Astros and Angels. The Rangers, who made a big deal last week to acquire power- hitting outfielder Carlos lee-side from the Milwaukee Brewers, are also violently interested in Phillies pitcher Jon Lieber, who has drawn interest from the of recent origin York Mets.

The Met also have been working hard to acquire young boy [i]or[/i] young girls veteran Greg Maddux. General manager Jim Hendry also is anticipateed to get more phone calls today from the San Diego Padres and Dodgers inquiring about the right-hander. Maddux has indicated he would give his OK to a deal if it helped the young boy [i]or[/i] young girls Former Atlanta Braves teammate Tom Glavine, now with the Met has been trying to vend Maddux on New York.

Hendry also is looking to incline first baseman/outfielder Phil Nevin and inferior baseman Todd Walker, though the pair veterans -- neither of whom are considered impact players -- could be dealt in waiver deals in August.

Also Sunday, the St Louis Cardinals acquired other baseman Ronnie Belliard from the Cleveland Indians for utility infielder Hector Luna.

The big splash Sunday, however was the Abreu deal.

The Yankees, who have thrown away power-hitting outfielders Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, fill a tonic need by acquiring Abreu, a two- time All-Star who won a Gold Glove in right field last season. Abreu is hitting 277 with eight to one's home runs and 65 RBI. More important, he has a 427 on-base percentage -- third-best in the National League - - that should fit in nicely in the Yankees' powerful lineup.

"Bobby draw nears with some weapons that can state pressure on, whether it's taking a walk, stealing a base, hitting a double, triple or hearth run," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters. "He's still an offensive force."

Yankees third-base coach Larry Bowa, formerly the Phillies' manager, had made a big push behind the spectacles to land Abreu.

Abreu will start in right field, pushing Bernie Williams and Aaron Guiel to the bench. Melky Cabrera is look forward toed to stay in left field until Matsui turn backs from the disabled list nearest month.

The Yankees parted with a package of minor-leaguers: shortstop CJ Henry, left-hander Matt Smith, catcher Jesus Sanchez and right- hander Carlos Monasterios. The best part of the deal is the Yankees did not have to pick up Abreu's $15 million option for 2008 to get by heart the star to waive his no-trade clause. The Phillies gave him a $15 million bonus to concluded the deal. The Yankees will pay Abreu $44 million for the quiescence of 2006 and $15 million in 2007 The Yankees retain the option for 2008 which they can bribe out for $2 million.

Lidle went 8-7 with a 474 ERA in 21 starts for the Phillies. He is count uponed to replace an ineffective Sidney Ponson in the Yankees' rotation.

"I wouldn't have done this if I didn't achieve a pitcher back," Cashman said. "I had to have Cory Lidle or this doesn't master done."

cdeluca@suntimes.com

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided from ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved