Andrew Marchand of the New York Post writes that while Randy Johnson, the Diamondbacks, and the Yankees all want to make this trade work, they’ve yet to agree upon how much Johnson will make for 2007-08 and how it will be paid. Ed Price at the Newark Star-Ledger agrees – negotiations continue but the dollars are still the issue.
Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune chips in to mention that the teams have not entered the formal 72-hour negotiating window and offering Johnson partial ownership of the team is not under consideration. He adds that the D’Backs still have to review Johnson’s medical records, as is the custom in any trade. Johnson’s back surgery is not expected to hold up the deal.
UPDATE: Peter Abraham of the Journal News reports that the D’Backs have now requested the 72-hour window and it could be granted today.
John Gambadoro of the Arizona Republic has a source indicating that the Yankees want two of Micah Owings, Ross Ohlendorf, and Dana Eveland. Earlier we’d been hearing Dustin Nippert mentioned and not Eveland. Gambadoro confirms the involvement of Brandon Medders but indicates an unknown infield prospect could be included – another new rumor.
I have to respectfully disagree with a few of the points made in Gambadoro’s column. Gambadoro’s main argument seems to be that Arizona shouldn’t trade Micah Owings because he went 10-0 at Triple A despite admittedly mediocre stuff. While Owings is a mildly interesting prospect, his record shouldn’t be a factor here. You’d be surprised who can go 10-0 when Lady Luck comes calling.
Additionally, labeling the Unit a "five to six inning pitcher" is a stretch given that Johnson averaged 6.21 innings per start in 2006. While that’s a significant drop from 6.64 per start in ’05, it still ranked 21st in the AL. Not to mention above Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte.
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