Hoping to bolster their starting rotation, the World Series champion Chicago White Sox agreed to acquire right-hander Javier Vazquez from Arizona yesterday for right-hander Orlando Hernandez, reliever Luis Vizcaino and minor-league outfielder Chris Young.

The deal is contingent on the players passing physicals and must be approved by commissioner Bud Selig because Arizona is sending the White Sox cash to help pay part of Vazquez's salary.

A baseball official confirmed the deal, but spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade technically had not been completed. The agreement was first reported by the Chicago Tribune and Newsday yesterday.

It would be the fourth major offseason move by the White Sox since Chicago won its first World Series since 1917. The White Sox re-signed first baseman Paul Konerko and traded for designated hitter Jim Thome and former Pirates utilityman Rob Mackowiak.

Vazquez filed a formal trade demand Nov. 10, the right of veteran players dealt during multiyear contracts. Arizona had until March 15 to trade him or risk having Vazquez become a free agent.

He is owed $11.5 million next year and $12.5 million in 2007.

Mariners

Carl Everett and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a one-year contract with a club option for 2007. The switch-hitting designated hitter batted .251 with 23 home runs and 87 RBIs for the World Series champion Chicago White Sox last season. No financial terms were disclosed.

Mets

Former Pirates pitcher Kris Benson is hoping that New York does not trade him. Benson's name surfaced in trade talks before and during the winter meetings in Dallas last week. Benson would be a bargaining chip for the Mets if they decided to reduce their payroll some after a major spending spree in recent weeks. "I've always said I wanted to be here," Benson said.