LAS VEGAS — Two teams from New York took over the town at baseball's winter meetings.

It helps to arrive in Vegas carrying plenty of cash.

As baseball's annual swap session broke up Thursday, the boys from the Big Apple went home big winners. Highlighting a hectic week, the Yankees landed pitching prize CC Sabathia while the Mets solidified their previously wretched bullpen with All-Star relievers Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz.

"The New York teams, we have I guess the flexibility and the ability to do things — sometimes financially," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

"But look, it's not that other clubs, I mean, there's a lot of financial parity out there right now. There might be 10 teams or more that are over $100 million in the game. So it's not that teams don't have money now. It's just the desire to make some moves."

While teams and agents cleared out quickly following the Rule 5 draft of minor leaguers, San Diego GM Kevin Towers said the Chicago Cubs had pulled out of the Jake Peavy sweepstakes.

Outside of New York, it seemed almost everyone was being cautious in a slow-moving market. With clubs concerned about the national recession and determined to keep inexpensive young talent, the winter meetings included a string of minor deals — but few big ones.

"It's active. It's busy. The phone rings a lot," new Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said.