L.A. Teams In Mix For Big Unit?
According to the New York Daily News, you can add the Angels and Dodgers to the list of teams interested in the suddenly-available Randy Johnson. Furthermore, Roger Rubin and Bill Madden name the Padres as Johnson’s most likely suitor right now. This thing has expanded beyond his hometown Diamondbacks.
The paper writes that the Yanks already have some offers on the table. From the Dodgers’ point of view, their interest in Johnson may only be in keeping him away from division rivals. Perhaps a starter would go back to New York in such a deal.
Johnson’s agent hasn’t been looped in yet, but Brian Cashman will need the pitcher’s consent in any deal.
Randy Johnson Trade Rumors
Merry Christmas! I’m sporting a new fleece and decided to duck in with a quick Christmas trade rumor.
While it was denied a week ago, it sounds like discussions are indeed taking place that would bring Randy Johnson back to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson’s agent and D’Backs general partner Ken Kendrick are mum on the subject.
Ed Price reports that the Yankees don’t want to pay any of the $16MM owed to the Big Unit in 2007. Arizona’s rotation currently consists of Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis, and a competition between Juan Cruz, Dana Eveland, Edgar Gonzalez, and Enrique Gonzalez. The Diamondbacks are packed with promising youngsters like Conor Jackson and Dustin Nippert.
Johnson had back surgery after the season ended; he turned 43 this year. He may not be ready for spring training. ZiPS, which projected pitchers better than anyone last year, predicts a 3.71 ERA for Johnson in 2007 – even as a Yankee. PECOTA chimes in with a 3.52 projection; it’s easy to be deceived by the 5.00 ERA. More attention should be paid to his 1.24 WHIP in 2006 – that’s more than respectable.
UPDATE: Amy Nelson of ESPN reports that Arizona has offered a package of at least three players for Johnson. Word is that Chad Tracy could be among them. They’d want a window to negotiate a contract extension. Nelson also mentions that the Padres have interest and could offer Scott Linebrink.
Additionally, Jon Heyman writes that Johnson initiated the trade idea and that the Giants could be in the mix. The Yankees seem to be looking for young pitching in return. Heyman speculates that they could become a possibility for Barry Zito if Johnson is dealt.
Randy Johnson Trade Rumors
Being that it is a slow news day, I feel olbliged to bring up the recent rumors involving 43 year-old starter Randy Johnson.
It certainly could be nothing, as George King reported yesterday that Johnson has not demanded a trade. Johnson’s agent denied any sort of trade request.
It seems that the basic premise is that the Yanks would move Johnson to a less stressful location for prospects to make room for Roger Clemens. Failing that, dealing him could open up a spot for Carl Pavano. Something tells me Brian Cashman wouldn’t trade Johnson anytime soon as no one knows if Clemens or Pavano are even viable options.
A more likely scenario, to me, is the Yanks considering trading Johnson once Philip Hughes forces their hand. There is no reason to rush the 20 year-old, and a half-season at Triple A wouldn’t hurt. But Hughes would not be overmatched in the Majors right now. There’s also a decent chance that Hughes will be needed as the Yanks’ fifth starter in the event of an injury to Johnson, Pettitte, or Mussina.
The Big Unit is owed $16MM in 2007 to finish his contract. I think a lot of NL teams would take the gamble with his age and back to see if he has one more run of excellence. While the numbers are slipping, Johnson’s peripheral stats and baserunners allowed were still excellent in 2006.