On June 28, 2000, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman finalized a trade with Indians General Manager John Hart, sending Jake Westbrook, Zach Day, and Ricky Ledée to Cleveland in exchange for Justice. The Yankees, who were unable to lure Sammy Sosa or Juan Gonzalez from their respective teams, looked to Justice as a legitimate longball threat. In return, Justice caught fire down the stretch and won the 2000 AL Championship Series MVP Award en route to his second world series championship. As a result of persistent groin injury, Justice saw his production slide considerably in 2001.