The Hardball Times posted a great article today that looks back on the Phillies trade of Bobby Abreu to the Yankees back in July 2006. Now that 20 months have passed since the trade, the article weighs in on the impact for both teams and comes to the conclusion that there was no real winner. While the Yankees got the better players (don't forget the late Cory Lidle was part of the deal), the Phillies got rid of Abreu's salary and his lackadaisical attitude. It was no coincidence the team made a major turnaround immediately after Abreu was shipped out. His removal allowed new leaders to emerge, like Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, who had a passion for winning, unlike the nonchalant Abreu.
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