Uma, Oprah. Rondell, Bubba.

Lee Sinnins reports that the Yankees and Padres have pulled the trigger on a Rondell White-for-Bubba Trammell trade (the Yanks also get minor-league pitch Mark Phillips in the deal).

White will replace Phil Nevin, who is out for the season, in left field for San Diego. Trammell provides some depth at the outfield corners and at DH for the Yankees.

Xavier Nady and/or Brian Buchanan will probably fill in in right field for the Padres.

It might be a pretty good pickup for the Padres if Rondell White returns to his pre-2002 form. The Yankees basically had too many (starting) outfielders and had already given left field to Hideki Matsui. It just reduces their record-breaking payroll by White's $5 M. Trammell is owed at least $7.5 M over the next two years, but the Yankees can handle a role player making that much money.

White will become a free agent after 2003. If he plays well, the Padres can try to resign him and move Phil Nevin elsewhere in 2004. If he falls flat, Nevin slips back into left next year. Besides, the insurance on Nevin's and Hoffman's contracts should pay White's 2003 salary anyway.

It was the perfect move. It was so perfect I am surprised it actually happened.