Yankees Spurn Sosa, Get Justice

The New York Yankees acquired a slugging outfielder--no, it wasn’t Sammy Sosa.

In an effort to boost their struggling team, the Yankees traded outfielder Ricky Ledee and two players to be named to the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for David Justice.

The Yankees had a tentative deal for Detroit’s Juan Gonzalez fall through because they couldn’t agree to a contract with the outfielder and their bid for Sosa ended when they couldn’t agree on players with the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs apparently wanted at least five Yankee prospects, including several considered among the best in the New York farm system.

“We had a player who was desirable if they couldn’t pull off a Sammy Sosa or Juan Gonzalez deal,” Cleveland General Manager John Hart said. “We were waiting in line.”

Cleveland Manager Charlie Manuel was also excited about the deal. “This frees up money right now to go get players now and for the future,” Manuel said. “We want to get one more big bat, try to get a starting pitcher and one back-in bullpen guy.”

Was Sosa disappointed the long-rumored trade didn’t go through?

“I don’t have no problem to play with anybody,” Sosa said. “I’m still in Chicago. I was ready for anything that could happen.”

Justice said he was stunned.

“But business is business,” he said. “That’s the game we play. I’ll go there and play hard like I do everywhere. I’ve never really felt comfortable there as an opposing player.”

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Pedro Martinez was put on the 15-day disabled list against his will, the biggest blow to a Boston Red Sox team losing games and players at an alarming rate.

The decision wasn’t unanimous, with the AL’s best pitcher saying he could take his regular turn Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.

But management preferred the cautious approach when the health of their ace was involved. The move was retroactive to Monday, making Martinez eligible to be activated July 11, the day of the All-Star game.

“He says he’s OK to pitch on Saturday so it’s basically my decision to put him on the disabled list,” Manager Jimy Williams said.

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The New York Yankees put left-hander Allen Watson on the 15-day disabled list with a dislocated right shoulder. Right-handers Orlando Hernandez and Roger Clemens will return to the Yankees’ injury-riddled rotation this weekend. . . . Arizona Diamondback first baseman Erubiel Durazo, who had surgery on his right wrist to repair cartilage damage June 1, was put on the 15-day disabled list. . . . Home run king Hank Aaron will throw out the first pitch prior to the 71st All-Star Game on July 11 at Turner Field.