Take 2 Trade: Yanks Acquire McGaffigan from Expos...

[Proverbial Psalms]

[b:8374ff8dec]TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT...[/b:8374ff8dec]

In a move with significant implications for the crowded American League East playoff race, the New York Yankees bolstered their starting rotation on Wednesday afternoon, by acquiring righthanded SP Andy McGaffigan (6-3, 2.13 ERA) from the Montreal Expos in exchange for OF Dan Pasqua (8 HR, 25 RBI) and doorstop SP Scott Nielsen (9-8, 5.90 ERA).

Amid what has become a 5 team race in the AL East, the Yankees improved in their weakest area- pitching (only three AL teams have allowed more runs scored than Yankees). Meanwhile, Montreal filled out their offense- where they desperately need help. The Expos have scored the fewest runs (411) in the majors so far this season... even 16 less runs than those Baltimore Orioles.

The league is watching to see how the other AL East contenders (Detroit, Toronto, Boston, and Cleveland) respond in the coming days.