More Yanks

http://buccoblog.mlblogs.com/my_weblog/2006/12/too_late_the_tr.html
According to the Bucco Blog: The three-team swap between the Yankees, Braves, and Pirates is now said to be nearly complete as all sides work on minor issues.
The Pirates will end up with LaRoche. I say that gently because there are a couple of versions floating.. one that involves the Angels and two that involves the Braves. However, since the Pirates asked for, and reviewed, LaRoche's medicals, we have to assume this deal is with the Braves.
For now, it seems LaRoche will be a Pirate by Christmas, Gonzalez will be a Yankee, and Cabrera a Brave along with at least a second yet unidentified Pirate. .....Bucco Blog

As I've mentioned this seems inevitable. I'll always question trading a young player with upside for a relief pitcher. Gonzalez seems to be the goods, but, save for Mo's two weird weeks a year, relievers are very volatile and extremely fungible. It will be tough on us fans if Melky's gone, but I'm sure Gonzalez will help, if Joe doesn't burn him out.

On another note, Kei Igawa was at the Knicks game in his Yankee jacket. I wonder if he'll keep wearing it out once he's identifiable.