White returns to Reds

By Jim Callis
June 18, 2004

Last July 31, the Yankees sent minor league lefthander Charlie Manning to the Reds in a deal for Aaron Boone, then acquired Gabe White from Cincinnati for cash considerations later in the afternoon. On Friday, both southpaws went back to their previous destinations as New York shipped White to the Reds for Manning.

The Yankees included $700,000 in the trade to help offset the remainder of White's $2.125 million salary for 2004. He also has an option for $1.925 million for 2005. New York will pay the $200,000 buyout if the Reds decline the option, or send them a player to be named later if they pick it up.

White, 32, works with a good changeup and an average-at-best fastball. American League hitters didn't have much problem solving that combination, as White posted a 6.82 ERA in parts of two seasons as a Yankee. He has struggled mightily in 2004, going 0-1, 8.27 in 24 games and falling into disuse in the bullpen. In 21 innings, he had an 8-7 strikeout-walk ratio, while opponents batted .355 with two homers against him. He owns a 33-24, 4.42 record and 16 saves in 426 career appearances. New York will use White's 25-man roster spot to promote lefty Brad Halsey, who will make his major league debut with a start against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Manning, 25, signed as a 2001 ninth-round pick from the University of Tampa. Manning has a high-80s fastball that has topped out at 93 but also dropped to the low-80s at times in 2003. He supplements it with a cutter, slider and changeup. In 13 starts at Double-A Chattanooga, he went 4-4, 5.12. He had a 71-21 K-BB ratio, five homers allowed and a .292 opponent average in 70 innings. The Yankees assigned him to Double-A Trenton.