Lawton to the Yanks ..

[vapormike]

The New York Yankees are close to a deal to acquire outfielder Matt Lawton from the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.

The Yankees would send a minor-league player to be named to complete the deal.

Lawton is batting .266 with 11 homers and 48 RBI

This would be Lawton's second trade of the season. He was dealt from Pittsburgh to the Cubs last month in a swap of outfielders. Jody Gerut was sent to the Pirates in exchange for Lawton, who has also played for the Twins (1995-01), Mets (2001) and Indians (2002-04).

Lawton, 33, is a career .269 hitter with 137 homers. He is a free agent after this season.