This Day in Yankees History: Yankees acquire Bobby Abreu, Ivan Rodriguez

The start of the 2020 season is finally underway! The Pinstripe Alley team is going to continue to keep these daily posts that highlight a few key moments in Yankees history on a given date, as well as recognize players born on the day. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

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This Day in Yankees History (July 30)

14 years ago

The Yankees trade shortstop C.J. Henry, southpaw reliever Matt Smith, catcher Jesus Sanchez, and right-hander Carlos Monasterios to the Phillies in exchange for All-Star outfielder Bobby Abreu and veteran pitcher Cory Lidle. New York will assume the remaining portion of Abreu’s contract, which includes $13.5 million for that season, $15.5 million for next year, and a $16 million option for 2008.

12 years ago

In need of a catcher due to Jorge Posada’s season-ending surgery, the Yankees obtain 13-time Gold Glove winner Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers in exchange for reliever Kyle Farnsworth. The 36-year-old All-Star backstop waives his no-trade clause to go to New York, which completes the deal a day before the trading deadline.

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Birthdays

Happy birthday to Jim Spencer!

The first baseman played in pinstripes for four year from 1978-1981. Spencer’s career-high in home runs (23) came with the 1979 Yankees, in a year that he only got 295 at-bats. He had 85 hits on the season, 41 of which were for extra bases, giving him a .593 slugging percentage. He slashed .246/.325/.478 during his time in New York.

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We thank Baseball-Reference, Nationalpastime.com, and FanGraphs for providing background information for these posts.