The Yankees must weigh whether to move Alfonso Soriano from second base to the outfield or to use him as a valuable trading chip.

But when asked if he could use most of his best trading chips on one player, he said, "That's possible."

But his presence could also make Milledge an attractive trading chip as the Mets try to bolster their pitching staff.

They will all become commodities, and trading chips, at the end of this season.

Any person can be a kind of trading chip when you find a way to hold her.

Or he could be a trading chip, even if the Mets prefer not to move him.

"Nick's a valuable commodity, whether we hold on to him or as a trading chip," Cashman said.

The Yankees understand that Weaver, who starts on Tuesday, could still be an attractive trading chip as the July 31 deadline approaches.

At the very least, Vanbiesbrouck represents the Rangers' greatest trading chip.

The Knicks have $43 million in contracts that will expire in 2006, and they could become trading chips after this season.