Phoenix ? Right after trading off a power pitcher, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired a power hitter who ranks among the best in the game.

The Diamondbacks got Richie Sexson from Milwaukee in a nine-player deal Monday that sent infielder Craig Counsell and second baseman Junior Spivey to the Brewers.

First baseman Lyle Overbay, catcher Chad Moeller and left-handers Jorge De La Rosa and Chris Capuano also were dealt to Milwaukee.

In addition to Sexson, Arizona received left-hander Shane Nance and a player to be named.

“I’m pretty excited,” Sexson said in a conference call. “I enjoyed my time in Milwaukee, but as a player, we obviously play to win, and it got tough in Milwaukee.”

The deal was finalized after Curt Schilling passed his physical with the Boston Red Sox.

Sexson tied Barry Bonds for third in the majors with 45 home runs last season, and had 124 RBIs. Arizona had no player with more than 26 home runs last year.

Sexson, who played in every inning of every game last season, has a career .378 average at Bank One Ballpark with six home runs and 16 RBIs.