Yankees Getting Closer to a Deal for Knoblauch

The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins neared agreement in trade talks for Chuck Knoblauch, and a person familiar with them said the deal could be announced as early as today.

Outfielder Ricky Ledee, one of the Yankees’ prized prospects, has been dropped from discussions, a lawyer familiar with the talks said Wednesday night on the condition he not be identified. Pitcher Ramiro Mendoza also has been dropped.

Instead, the Twins will receive pitcher Eric Milton, outfielder Brian Buchanan, shortstop Cristian Guzman, another prospect and $2 million to $3 million. Because of the money involved, the deal also needs the approval of the ruling executive council.

“I think everybody involved would like to have that happen,” Twin General Manager Terry Ryan said. “The Yankees would like to have that happen. I’ve said we would like to get this done as soon as we can. I think everybody in the organization would like to have this behind us.”

The MSG Network reported the deal had been completed, but two sources familiar with the talks said details remained to be worked out and that there still was a chance the trade could fall through.