Send 2 minor-leaguers to Padres for outfielder

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By Steve Brisendine, The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals, seeking right-handed hitting help for the stretch run in the American League Central Division title race, acquired All-Star outfielder Rondell White from the San Diego Padres for two minor-league pitchers yesterday.

The trade came shortly after the Padres acquired outfielder Brian Giles, who grew up in the San Diego area, from the Pirates for left-hander Oliver Perez, minor-league outfielder Jason Bay and a player to be named.

The Padres acquired lefty Chris Tierney and right-hander Brian Sanches from Kansas City in the deal for White.

White goes from a team that's been in last place since April to a team one game behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central race.

"Over our past 10 or 11 games, we've been pounded by left-handed pitchers late in the game," Kansas City General Manager Allard Baird said. "This certainly gives us another option."

Kansas City's injury-scrambled lineup could also use some defensive help.

Since returning from the disabled list on Aug. 8, Mike Sweeney has been unable to play first base because of lingering soreness in his upper back. That has left Ken Harvey at first every day, with Raul Ibanez -- who can also play that position -- in left field.

White, scheduled to arrive in Kansas City today, could spell either Ibanez or center fielder Carlos Beltran.

"I still haven't decided where I'm going to use him yet," Manager Tony Pena said. "I've still got a game to worry about tonight."

White was obtained from the New York Yankees in a spring training deal for outfielder Bubba Trammell and minor-league left-hander Mark Phillips.

The Padres had been looking to move White for some time. He's making $5 million this year and is eligible for free agency after the season.

The Padres will send some cash to Kansas City, but will also save some money on White's salary that they can apply to Giles, who will earn a little more than $1 million the rest of the season.

White was hitting .278 with 18 homers and 66 RBIs.

"He's fired up and ready to go," Baird said.

Tierney, a seventh-round draft pick in 2001, was 5-11 with a 4.38 ERA in 26 starts for Class A Wilmington this season.

Sanches, a second-round pick in 1999, was 1-5 with a 3.16 ERA and two saves in 38 games for Class AA Wichita.

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