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Bronx overhaul

Yankees reach tentative deal with Cubs' White

Posted: Wednesday December 12, 2001 2:48 PM
Updated: Wednesday December 12, 2001 4:43 PM
  Rondell White Rondell White hit 17 home runs and 50 RBIs last year, but played in just 95 games. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

BOSTON (AP) -- Outfielder Rondell White and the New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a two-year, $10 million contract.

The deal is subject to White passing a physical and agreement on final details of the contract, a source familiar with the negotiations said on the condition he not be identified.

The deal for White is the latest move in New York's overhaul of much of the lineup that came within two outs of winning a fourth straight World Series title.

The Yankees acquired third baseman Robin Ventura from the Mets for David Justice last week to replace the retired Scott Brosius, and also signed free agent reliever Steve Karsay.

New York also is close to finalizing a seven-year contract with Jason Giambi to replace free agent Tino Martinez at first base.

Outfielders Paul O'Neill and Chuck Knoblauch also won't be back in 2002 as the Yankees try to upgrade an offense that finished fifth in the AL in runs scored last season.

The Yankees have sought after White since he played with Montreal, considering dealing for him before the 2000 trade deadline.

Instead White went to the Chicago Cubs, where he was a solid contributor when he wasn't hurt. He hit .307 last season with 50 RBIs and 17 homers, but he played in just 95 games, missing most of the second half with a strained groin muscle.

White, 29, has a history of injury trouble, spending at least three weeks in each of the last four seasons on the disabled list. He has been on the DL seven times in his nine years in the majors.

He has been productive when healthy, hitting .295 with 120 homers and 441 RBIs in his career.

White is just the second free agent to agree to a contract at this year's winter meetings, joining reliever Jay Powell, who finalized a $9 million, three-year deal with Texas on Tuesday.


 

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