New York ? Bartolo Colon got traded Wednesday, but not to the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees.

Instead, Colon went to the Chicago White Sox in a three-team deal that included the Yankees and provided New York with the fringe benefit of keeping Colon away from the Red Sox.

In the swap, the Yankees sent pitcher Orlando Hernandez and $2 million to Chicago for reliever Antonio Osuna and minor league pitcher Delvis Lantigua. Then the White Sox packaged Hernandez with right-handed pitcher Rocky Biddle, outfielder Jeff Liefer and cash to Montreal for Colon and minor league infielder Jorge Nunez.

The architect of the deal was White Sox general manager Ken Williams, who pursued Montreal GM Omar Minaya once it became clear that the Expos wanted to reduce payroll.

The Yankees and Red Sox were believed to be in the best position to get Colon, who won 20 games last season for Cleveland and Montreal. But when the Yankees added Cuban free agent Jose Contreras and re-signed Roger Clemens, it created a logjam of eight starting pitchers.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman was looking to ease that glut and reduce payroll. Cashman approached Williams, offering Hernandez and asking about Osuna and Lantigua.

Williams wasn’t particularly interested in the Boston vs. New York rivalry. He came away from the deal with a front-line starter.

Also on Wednesday, the White Sox agreed to terms on a one-year contract with outfielder Armando Rios. Rios, a free agent, batted .264 with a homer and 24 RBIs in 76 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.

Cubs, Wood agree

Chicago — Kerry Wood and the Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $6.19 million, one-year deal. He’s eligible for free agency after the 2004 season, and talks on a longer deal are expected to continue. Also Wednesday, left-hander Mark Guthrie agreed to a $1.9 million, one-year contract with the Cubs.

Barrett inks with Expos

Montreal — Michael Barrett agreed to a $2.6 million contract with Montreal, avoiding salary arbitration. Barrett hit .263 with 12 homers and 49 RBIs as the Expos starting catcher last season.

Wells attacker sentenced

New York — The man who punched New York Yankees pitcher David Wells and knocked out two of his teeth was sentenced to 45 days in jail. Rocco Graziosa was jailed immediately following the sentencing after Criminal Court Judge Robert M. Stolz denied a defense request for bail.

Blue Jays sign Woodward

Toronto — The Blue Jays signed shortstop Chris Woodward to a one-year, $775,000 contract. Woodward, who was eligible for salary arbitration, hit .276 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI in 90 games.

Rangers sign Valdes

Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers finished their offseason shopping by bringing back starting pitcher Ismael Valdes, who signed a one-year deal to return to the club he played for last season until being sent to Seattle in August.

Seattle brings back Mabry

Seattle — Free agent John Mabry agreed to terms with the Mariners on a one-year contract, with a team option for 2004.