Jeff Nelson, the hard nosed middle reliever who won four World Series titles with the Yankees between 1996 and 2000, was traded back to the Bronx Bombers August 6th. The 36-year-old right-hander was acquired via waivers for Armando Benitez and one million dollars in cash. Benitez, who was acquired on July 16th from the Mets, pitched in only nine games for the Yankees but will likely move into the closer role for the Mariners. Nelson currently boasts a 3.35 earned run average and opposing right handed batters are hitting a mere .226 against him. The veteran setup man is a proven big game pitcher who thrives in the spotlight, which is something that Benitez was often criticized for. Nelson is extremely excited to be back in pinstripes and is eager to make his return to Yankee stadium. “Besides getting married, besides the birth of my four children, besides the four World Series titles, this is probably the best day of my career,” stated Nelson. The move gives the Yankees the dominant setup man that they have lacked for closer Mariano Rivera.

Yankees Acquire Boone

As the clock approached the 4pm trade deadline on July 31st, the Yankees pulled the trigger on a deal that gives them a cornerstone third basemen and class act in Aaron Boone. Boone, who made it adamant to Reds management that he wanted out of Cincinnati following the firing of his father, manager Bob Boone, landed with the Yankees where he will be the everyday third basemen. Boone is batting .273 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIS and also brings some much-needed speed to the Yankee lineup with his 15 stolen bases on the year. "That I'm sitting here as a Yankee, I'm so fired up about that," Boone said. "I know I'm going to the best organization in sports, and that's so flattering and humbling that they thought enough of me to go get me. Hopefully I can be a piece to bring another championship home." Boone did not come cheaply, however, as the Yankees were forced to give up promising left-hander Brandon Clausen in order to land the all-star third basemen. To make room for Boone, the Yankees made a counter move trading New York fan favorite Robin Ventura to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguers Bubba Crosby and Scott Proctor.

Ventura Shipped Out To LA

On July 31, 2003, the New York Yankees traded third basemen Robin Ventura to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for minor-league outfielder Bubba Crosby and right-handed pitcher Scott Proctor. The Yanks acquired Ventura from the New York Mets on December 7, 2001, for David Justice. Ventura was an all-star in both the 1992 and 2002 seasons, and has been recognized with six Gold Gloves for his remarkable play in the infield. He has a lifetime batting average of .282, with 27 home runs, and 93 RBIs. This year Ventura has batted .251, with 9 home runs and 42 RBIs. Ventura became expendable once the Pinstripes acquired slugger, Aaron Boone from the Cincinnati Reds.

Minor-league outfielder Bubba Crosby, 26, was batting .361 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 76 games with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, Las Vegas. He currently leads the Pacific Coast League in both batting average and slugging percentage.

Pitcher, Scott Proctor, 28, was 5-4 with a 2.58 ERA in 41 games with Dodgers’ Double-A affiliates, Jacksonville and Las Vegas.

Ventura’s stellar defense and clutch-hitting prowess will be missed by the Yanks. He was a true Yankee, displaying passion, heart, and intensity both on and off the field.

Yanks Add Lefty

On July 31, 2003 the New York Yankees acquired left-handed reliever Gabe White from the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named. The Yanks recent bullpen woes were enough to trigger the move for the lefty. White, 31, was 3-0 with a 3.93 ERA, and held left-handed batters to a .241 batting average in 34 games with the Reds this season. He was placed on the disabled list on June 21, with a strained left groin. White is expected to make his Pinstripe debut in three weeks. White immediately bolsters the left side of the Yankees bullpen, and his presence is sure to be felt come playoff time.

Mondesi Traded to the Diamondbacks

On July 29, 2003, the Yankees announced a trade that sent outfielder Raul Mondesi to the Diamondbacks in exchange for David Dellucci, Bret Prinz and Jon Sprowl. Mondesi was acquired from the Blue Jays in a mid-season trade last year. He was awarded rookie of the year honors in 1994 and has been recognized with two Gold Gloves for his outstanding play in the field. Mondesi batted .258 with 16 homers and 49 RBI in 98 games this season. Yet, with runners in scoring position he has hit a mere .152 (16-105).

The newly acquired outfielder, David Dellucci, has appeared in 70 games with Arizona this season, batting .242 with 11 doubles, three triples, two homers and 19 RBI. He was a member of the Diamondbacks' team that defeated the Yankees in the 2001 World Series.

New York assigned right-handed pitcher, Prinz, to Triple-A Columbus of the International League. This year, Prinz is 0-1 with an ERA of 6.00. Catcher Jon Sprowl was moved from Single-A South Bend (Arizona affiliate) to Battle Creek (Yankee affiliate) of the Midwest League. For South Bend, Sprowl batted .296 with 4HR and 42 RBI.

Yankees Acquire Orosco

The New York Yankees landed left-handed specialist Jesse Orosco on July 22 to solidify their bullpen for the stretch run. The 46 year old veteran is in his 24th major league season and comes over from San Diego, where he was 1-1 with an ERA of 7.56. The Bronx Bombers gave up a player to be named later and cash for the rights to Orosco, who is remembered by most New Yorkers as the pitcher who recorded the final out for the Mets during their 1986 World Championship season. Orosco is notorious for his propensity to get left handed hitters out with great consistency. He is the oldest active player in major league baseball and holds the record for most games pitched at 1,229. The Yankees optioned reserve outfielder Curtis Pride to Triple A Columbus to make room for Orosco.

Yanks and Mets Engage in Rare Trade

On July 16th, 2003, the Yankees and Mets completed a rare trade with each other. The transaction sent closer Armando Benitez to the Bronx in exchange for three Yankee pitching prospects.

Since the injury to Steve Karsay, the Yankees have been searching for a set-up man to place in front of closer Marino Rivera. Armando Benitez may be the right man for the job. Benitez has been with the Mets since 1999 and was their only All-Star this season. During his career, he has successfully completed 197 out of 231 save opportunities.

Continuing a recent trend, the Mets’ deal included the acquisitions of some promising youthful talent. In return for Benitez, they received pitchers Jason Anderson, Ryan Bicondoa, and Anderson Garcia. After spending the first half of the season between the majors and Triple-A, Jason Anderson has had the chance to impress, as he currently has a record of 1-0 with a 4.79 ERA in 22 relief appearances for the Yankees this year. Last season, Ryan Bicondoa was a member of the New York-Penn league champion Staten Island Yankees. This year, he is 3-2 with a 3.54 ERA in five starts and 10 relief appearances. Anderson Garcia is described by many as a power pitcher, but still may need some time to develop in the minor leagues. At the Class-A level, Garcia is 3-6 with a 3.32 ERA in 11 starts.

The last trade to take place between the Mets and Yankees was the Robin Ventura – David Justice deal on December 7, 2001.

MLB All-Star Update

Yankee favorites Jorge Posada, Alfonso Soriano, Hideki Matsui were all elected to start in this year’s MLB All-Star Game on July 15th.

In his third full season, Alfonso Soriano has been elected to start for the second straight year. For the first half of the season, Soriano has a .300 batting average with 22 home runs, 51 RBI and 25 stolen bases. He reached the 20-20 mark, which consists of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, in just 72 games—the fastest ever by a Yankee.

Although it is only his first season in Major League Baseball, international superstar Hideki Matsui is no stranger to the spotlight. From 1994 through 2002, Matsui appeared in nine consecutive All-Star Games in Japan. Hitting .311 with 64 RBI, Matsui currently leads the Yankees in both batting average and RBIs.

Appearing in his fourth straight All-Star Game, catcher Jorge Posada has shown that solid defense behind the plate can go a long way. Posada is also one of the games most productive catchers, batting .254 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI.

Clemens Achieves 300

On Friday, June 13th, Roger Clemens became the 21st pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 300 career wins. Clemens is the second Yankee to reach this historic plateau, as Phil Niekro was the first in 1984. On a rain-soaked evening, nothing could hold “The Rocket” back as he went 6 2/3 innings, hurling 120 pitches and giving up just two runs to accompany his 10 strikeouts. However, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals was truly a team effort. The Yankee bullpen held strong to save number 300 with the work of Chris Hammond, Antonio Osuna, and the final three outs by Mariano Rivera. Home runs by Hideki Matsui, the newly acquired Ruben Sierra, and Raul Mondesi, provided Clemens with more than enough offense to defeat the visiting Cardinals 5-2. Almost overshadowed by the 300th win was Rocket’s 4000th strikeout. Clemens’ 10 strikeouts gives him 4006 for his career and places him 3rd on the all-time list behind Steve Carlton (4,136) and Nolan Ryan (5,714). This win puts Clemens at 7-4 for the year, as he continues to display his workhorse mentality game after game. "I'm not going to let my shoulders down now," Clemens said. "I'm going to be out here pushing Andy (Pettitte) just as hard tomorrow." This attitude and mentality has molded the Rocket for 19 seasons and will ensure Roger Clemens a place in Cooperstown.

Jeter Named Captain

On Tuesday, June 3rd, Yankee owner George Steinbrenner named shortstop Derek Jeter the 11th Captain in New York Yankees history. Jeter, 29, is the first Yankee captain since Don Mattingly held the heralded honor from 1991-1995. Manager Joe Torre applauded Jeter’s selection stating that he believed that Jeter was a natural leader. “When he first came here, the other players seemed to gravitate toward him,'' Torre said. “So I thought this day would come eventually.'' The move to captain for Jeter is not expected to have any significant effect on the atmosphere of the clubhouse and Jeter plans to continue to lead as he has been doing. The captaincy of the Yankees is a coveted honor and is one that only the owner has the power to bestow. Former Yankee captains read like a who’s who list in Yankee history and include the likes of Gehrig, Ruth, and Munson. For Jeter, the honor puts to rest any remaining tension from spring training when Steinbrenner questioned his focus and work ethic.