A December to Remember

It remains to be seen whether or not the Yankees will pull off a deal at this week's winter meetings that will have a major impact on the coming season and season beyond. But lets take a look back at some of the best off-season trades the Yankees made in the last 40 years.

Graig Nettles - One of the key players to the Yankees return to contention in the 1970s. Nettles was sent to the Yankees along with catcher John Moses on November 27, 1972. In return the Indians received John Ellis, Jerry Kenney, Charlie Spikes, and Rusty Torres. The deal turned out to be highway robbery.

Sparky Lyle - The deal was actually triggered during spring training of 1972. The Yankees sent 1st Baseman Danny Cater to the Red Sox for the reliever who would help turn the future around, not only with his own pitching, but by helping Ron Guidry with his slider. The Yankees would add Mario Guerrero to the deal in June. No matter how you slice it, a steal.

Paul O'Neill - November 3, 1992. Roberto Kelly was an up and coming centerfiedler for the Yankees, but there were still a number of holes in his game. O'Neill was already a fiery competitor whose game was perfectly suited for the Big Apple. It was a 2 for 1 deal. No, not 2 Yankees. Reds minor league catcher Joe DeBerry accompanied O'Neill to NYC. Remarkable!

Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa - When they were acquired from the Angels for Bobby Bonds in December of 1975, no one knew too much about them other than Rivers' speed. Rivers, along with Willie Randoph solidified the top of the lineup, and Figueroa became a guy you could count on in the starting rotation.

Tino Martinez - His intense commitment to the game, along with O'Neill's, would help drive the Yankees to their dynasty in the late '90s. The Yankees sent Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock to the Mariners on December 7th (Tino's birthday), 1995 for Martinez and pitcher Jim Mecir.

Joe Girardi - Another intense competitor that helped stabilize the Yankees pitching staff during their great run. Picked up from the Rockies for reliever Mike DeJean.