Brewers trade Young to Giants for prospect

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- San Francisco acquired second baseman Eric Young from the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, giving the Giants insurance for injured starter Ray Durham.

"I just want to go over there and get to that playoff level again," said Young, who played in the postseason in 1995 for Colorado. "I'd only experienced that one time in my career and that's what it's all about.

"There's nothing like having a chance come Sept. 1 and then actually reaching it. It's a whole different level."

The Giants, who sent minor league pitcher Greg Bruso to Milwaukee, will pay the remainder of Young's $2 million contract for this season and have a $3 million team option for 2004. If they don't exercise the option, Milwaukee is responsible for a $1 million buyout.

"He's a leadoff hitter and a second baseman and that's what we need," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said. "Our guy is on the disabled list."

Young was hitting .260 with a career-high 15 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season. He was not expected to arrive in San Francisco in time for Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Braves.

"He'll play enough to give us some spark," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "Any time there's an opening he's going to be playing."

Durham has been on the disabled list since Aug. 8 with an injured groin. He's not expected to be ready when he's eligible to come off on Friday.

"It's no secret contending clubs are out looking for parts that can help them down the stretch and be eligible for their playoff roster," Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said. "I think Young is one of those guys who can fill a hole and the Giants have a hole at second base."

Giants trainer Stan Conte said Durham had a 50-50 chance of being ready on Friday.

"We don't want to push him too soon," Conte said.

Bruso, 23, was 12-9 with a 3.27 ERA in 25 games between Class AA Norwich and Class A San Jose. He's pitched 160 innings, allowing only 22 walks and striking out 122.

Bruso was selected in the 16th round of the 2002 draft out of the University of California. The Brewers have assigned him to Class AA Huntsville of the Southern League.

The Brewers purchased outfielder Jason Conti's contract from Indianapolis to replace Young on the roster. Conti was hitting .234 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs at Class AAA.

Conti was 0-for-5 while appearing in six games earlier this season with the Brewers.