Mets complete trade as Vaughn agrees to restructure contract

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets took another big step in upgrading the worst offense in the majors, finalizing a trade Thursday to acquire former MVP Mo Vaughn from the Anaheim Angels for pitcher Kevin Appier.

After several days of talks, agent Jeff Moorad and Mets general manager Steve Phillips worked out details to restructure Vaughn's contract and clear the way for the trade.

"I don't think this whole thing has hit me yet," Vaughn said. "I wish we could start tomorrow. I'm just a small piece in this big powerful puzzle."

Vaughn follows All-Star Roberto Alomar and leadoff hitter Roger Cedeno to New York. Free-agent slugger Juan Gonzalez, who, like Vaughn, is represented by Moorad, could be next.

"We've been able to accomplish that in ways we didn't expect," Phillips said of reviving the offense. "To add a hitter like Mo Vaughn wasn't something we anticipated going into the offseason."

The Mets and Angels agreed on the trade last weekend, contingent on New York being able to defer some of the money Vaughn would be paid.

Vaughn was owed $50 million in salary and bonuses over the next three years but agreed to rework the contract.

Vaughn also received increased no-trade protection.

After going to the World Series in 2000, the Mets went 82-80 this year.

To add Vaughn, the Mets needed to clear salary space. Appier's $9 million contract for 2002 is almost a match to the $10 million Vaughn is due next season.

After that, however, Vaughn's salary is dramatically higher. He gets $15 million in both 2003 and 2004, with a team option of $14 million for 2005. In contrast, Appier will make $11 million in 2003, and $12 million in 2004.