Big Johnson
By
Amanda
Posted at 8:19 pm
According to a story in the Newark Star-Ledger (and a bunch of other places, too), the Yankees are looking to trade Randy Johnson:
NEW YORK -- The San Diego Padres have made a more attractive offer for Randy Johnson than the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the Yankees will trade Johnson only if they consider it a good baseball move.
…
San Francisco has also been involved in talks, and the Yankees official said two more teams he would not identify entered the derby yesterday.Johnson, 43, is questionable for Opening Day because of surgery in October to repair a herniated disk in his lower back.
…
After acquiring Johnson from the Diamondbacks in January 2005, the Yankees extended his contract for two seasons, through next year. An official with a team not involved in Johnson talks was told the Yankees do not want to absorb any of Johnson's salary if they trade him.
…
Meanwhile, although the Yankees lost out on free-agent first baseman Shea Hillenbrand, who agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, they might still add a first baseman who bats left-handed. Doug Mientkiewicz, an excellent fielder, is still on the market and has drawn interest from the Yankees.
So, the Yankees are looking to sell a 43-year old, injured LHP. They're looking to buy a left-handed first baseman.
Suddenly the deal for Jeff Conine makes a lot more sense. Scott Hatteberg: you're on your way!
The Yankees aren’t looking to buy a left-handed first baseman. They are already so lefty-heavy it isn’t funny. Jeter and A-Rod are the only right-handed batters in the lineup. If they are interested in Mientkiewicz – and I’m not sure they really are – it’s out of desperation. He’s got a good glove, and that’s the reason they’d be signing him. Not for his bat.
There’s a whole slew of rumors out there, but I hope RJ goes back to Arizona. Arizona needs a big name to sell jerseys and get buns in the seats. The fans would welcome him back, and would show up hoping to see him get his 300th win. He wants to be near his family in Arizona, and he’ll pitch better in the NL.
Supposedly, the Yanks would get Eric Byrnes in return (along with two prospects). Byrnes could be our new 4th OFer, which would let Cashman flip Melky Cabrera for Mike Gonzalez.
I never liked Randy Johnson much, and wouldn’t be sorry to see him go. Though I guess this means the end of the Wang and Johnson jokes…
I would be willing to part with Conine… 😛
LOL! I think he’s a little long in the tooth, even by Torre standards.
I think Mark Loretta is more likely. Or maybe they’ll stick with Craig Wilson.