Alomar

BOSTON -- A big, old-fashioned blockbuster brought baseball's winter meetings to life Tuesday, with the New York Mets acquiring second baseman Roberto Alomar from Cleveland in an eight-player trade.

While there was just one trade and no free-agent signings in the first two days of the five-day session, activity intensified Tuesday, with four deals involving 19 players and the first free-agent agreement at the meetings -- a $9 million, three-year contract between pitcher Jay Powell and Texas.

Alomar, also involved in the big Joe Carter trade at the 1990 winter meetings, was by far the most prominent player dealt. The 12-time All-Star was sent to New York with left-hander Mike Bacsik and outfielder Danny Peoples for outfielders Matt Lawton and Alex Escobar, right-hander Jerrod Riggan and two players to be named. One of the players to be named is lefty Billy Traber, New York's first-round pick in 2000, according to a team official who spoke on condition he not be identified.

	Powell

"Even as late as midafternoon yesterday, I thought it was a long shot," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said.

Cleveland, which has won six of the last seven AL Central titles, is looking to retool and wanted to get younger.

"I know this trade won't be immediately embraced," new general manager Mark Shapiro said after making his first deal. "I think I'll need a flak jacket when I get off the plane, probably."

It was the second major move in the last week for the Mets, who dealt third baseman Robin Ventura to the Yankees on Friday for outfielder David Justice.

Alomar, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, will join with shortstop Rey Ordonez to form one of the most acrobatic middle-infield duos.

"He's probably one of the top 10 ballplayers in the game," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "That's a great deal for the Mets. I'd rather see him in the other league. It's probably going to be the best infield defense in baseball."

After winning the NL pennant in 2000, the Mets went 82-80 this year, finishing with the fewest runs and lowest batting average in the majors and the second-fewest homers in the NL.

The 33-year-old Alomar, who played three seasons in Cleveland, hit a team-high .336 this year with 20 homers, 100 RBI and 30 steals.

Alomar, who also has played for San Diego, Toronto and Baltimore, gets $8 million next season and his contract contains an $8 million team option for 2003.

Lawton, 30, was acquired by the Mets from Minnesota for pitcher Rick Reed in July. He combined to hit .277, with 13 homers and 64 RBI last season.

"He's a line-drive hitter. He hits singles and doubles and can hit the ball out of the ballpark," Indians manager Charlie Manuel said. "He'll make a significant impact on our ballclub."

Escobar, 23, was among the most prized prospects in the Mets' farm system, but he struggled last season, striking out 146 times in 397 at-bats at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Yankees, meanwhile, moved forward with Jason Giambi. The first baseman, closing in on a seven-year contract approaching $120 million, took a physical for the Yankees in Tampa, Fla., according to a lawyer familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity.

There were rumors of more big trades being discussed, with little talk of high-priced free agents such as Barry Bonds, Juan Gonzalez and Chan Ho Park.

"There seem to be a number of three-way deals going on," Phillips said. "It seems like there's far more action on the trade front than normal."

In other trades: