BoSox Acquire Stanley From Jays

The Boston Red Sox made Mike Stanley part of a mid-summer trade for the second straight season Thursday, re-acquiring the veteran first baseman/designated hitter from the Toronto Blue Jays for two minor-league pitchers.

Stanley,

"I think the idea of coming back put a smile on his face," Boston third baseman John Valentin told WBZ-AM before the Red Sox game against Oakland.

"He's been here before. He knows what kind of atmosphere it is here. He likes to hit in Fenway Park. He's a professional, a quality guy. He's a veteran and a leader all around. He's got a ot of attributes that can help this team."

The 35-year-old Stanley was hitting .240 with 22 homers and 47 RBI in 98 games for the Blue Jays, making 72 starts at DH, 22 at first base and one in left field. Stanley, who signed a two-year, $6.15 million free-agent deal with the Jays last December, is a career .268 hitter with 147 homers and 552 RBI in 13 seasons with Texas, the New York Yankees, Boston and Toronto.

"Mike Stanley is a reliable and proven major league player," said Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette. "The Red Sox are extremely pleased to bring him back to Boston. His leadership ability, talent and tremendous experience will be an asset for the Red Sox i our pursuit of the pennant and World Series championship."

The Red Sox were looking for an extra bat in the lineup since designated hitter Reggie Jefferson has been slow to recover from a back injury. Stanley, a .298 hitter against left-handers this season, would likely serve as the right-handed DH even if Jefferson returns. Jim Leyritz performed the role earlier this season and was traded to San Diego.

Stanley hit 24 homers and drove in 69 runs for Boston in 1996 and had a .300 average when he was traded back to the Yankees last August 13th in a deal for minor leaguers. Stanley also played for the Yankees from 1992 through 1995.

"He's a good player, he's good on the club," Boston manager Jimy Williams said. "He's got power, and he can drive in runs. And he can be a third catcher in addition to being a DH and a first baseman."

The 23-year-old Munro was 5-4 with a 4.05 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings for Pawtucket of the Triple-A International League.

Yennaco, 22, split the season between Double-A Trenton of the Eastern League and Pawtucket. He was 3-3 with a 4.86 ERA in nine starts before his promotion to Pawtucket, where he was 3-2 with a 5.82 ERA in 11 starts.

"His (Stanley's) leadership ability, talent and tremendous experience will be an asset for the Red Sox in our pursuit of the pennant and World Series championship," general manager Dan Duquette said. "Mike is a quality individual, both on the field and in the clubhouse, and is highly regarded by Red Sox fans and the baseball world."

Both pitchers will report to Syracuse of the International League.

Toronto is in fourth place in the AL wild-card race, 10 1/2 games behind front-running Boston.

The deal comes one day before Friday's trading deadline.

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