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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, December 7, 2009

MLB: Bruney traded to Nationals by Yankees


By RONALD BLUM
AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS — Brian Bruney was dealt Monday to the Washington Nationals from the New York Yankees for a player to be named in the first trade of the winter meetings.

The 27-year-old right-hander was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances but pitched just once for the Yankees from mid-April until mid-June because of a strained right elbow, an injury he blamed on time he spent warming up during an umpires’ video review.
“He’s a power arm and we need help in the bullpen. We need help,” said Jim Riggleman, who took over as Washington Nationals manager in July.
Bruney was dropped from the Yankees’ roster for the postseason series against Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels, then gave up two runs and got just one just one out in his lone World Series appearance, in the opener against Philadelphia.
He is 16-10 with 13 saves and a 4.27 ERA in 229 relief appearances and one start over six seasons. He had 12 saves for Arizona in 2005.
Bruney had a $1.25 million salary this year and is eligible for arbitration. He won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.
To clear roster space, the Nationals unconditionally released right-hander Saul Rivera, who had a 6.10 ERA in 30 appearances for Washington this year.