NY teams swap Justice, Ventura

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees made a rare deal with the crosstown Mets on Friday, trading outfielder David Justice for third baseman Robin Ventura.

The trade is the first in more than eight years between the teams and the first involving major leaguers since 1992. The teams have exchanged players only six times since the Mets began play in 1962.

"It's kind of weird to be traded from the Yankees to the Mets with the rivalry and all of that," Justice said. "I'm at that point of my career where you can always be traded at any minute. I'm happy to go to the Mets. There are far worse teams be traded to."

Ventura liked the trade, too.

"I'm still in the same city, living in the same place. I kind of like my scenery," he said. "Maybe a change of teams and situations will do that. Only time will tell."

The deal satisfies needs for both teams. With the retirement of Scott Brosius, the Yankees were in need of a stopgap at third base until heralded prospect Drew Henson is ready to take over.

"It was obvious that we had a void to fill at third base in 2002," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "It is our belief that Robin -- with his left-handed bat and on-base average -- was our best option."

Yankees sign Karsay

The Yankees also signed reliever Steve Karsay to a four-year contract worth about $22.25 million on Friday. The deal includes a club option for a fifth year.

The Mets struggled offensively last season and scored the fewest runs in baseball. They were also second-to-last in the NL in home runs. Mets right fielders hit .240 with just 15 homers and 61 RBIs last season.

"He's been a very successful offensive player and his postseason experience speaks for itself," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said. "He has a knack for being on teams that get to the postseason. He's a big part of that is his contributions on those clubs."

Justice, whose teams have reached the past 10 postseasons, will provide the Mets with the left-handed power hitter they've been seeking to protect Mike Piazza. Justice has 294 career homers, including a career-high 41 in 2000 for Cleveland and the Yankees.

Justice, 35, struggled last season, going on the disabled list twice for an injured right groin, and batted just .241 with 18 homers and 51 RBIs.

Ventura, 34, batted .237 with 21 homers and 61 RBIs for the Mets last season. He is a solid fielder and a clutch hitter, especially with the bases loaded. His 15 career grand slams are the most of any active player and ninth all-time.

The Yankees also are close to a deal with first baseman Jason Giambi.