Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Missing Unit
The D-backs and Yankees have agreed on the structure of a deal that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona, a source with knowledge of the negotiations said.
The D-backs are likely to be granted a 72-hour window at some point Thursday to begin negotiations with Johnson on an extension that would keep the 43-year-old in Arizona through the 2008 season.
The teams have informed the Commissioner's Office of the specifics of the trade, The Associated Press reported, citing a baseball official as its source.
A Yankees spokesman and Diamondbacks officials both said their teams had no comment at this time.
Johnson has a no-trade clause but has expressed a desire to pitch closer to his Phoenix-area home, and indications are that the two sides would be able to reach an agreement on an extension.
Once that happens, Johnson, who underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back following the 2006 season, would have to undergo a physical and the D-backs would review his medical file.
The D-backs will send veteran reliever Luis Vizcaino and a pitching prospect in exchange for Johnson. It's believed that the Yankees will include some money in the deal to help Arizona defray the cost of Johnson's $16 million salary for 2007.
The pitching prospect will likely come from a group of Ross Ohlendorf, Micah Owings or Dustin Nippert. It's unknown whether the D-backs will include another lower-level Minor Leaguer in the deal.
The D-backs would rather part with Vizcaino than young reliever Brandon Medders because the 32-year-old Vizcaino is set for a raise from the $1.7 million he made last year and he is one year away from becoming a free agent.
The Yankees are willing to trade Johnson because they have a surplus of starting pitchers and would like to continue to restock their farm system with pitching prospects.
Johnson was originally dealt to the Yankees from the D-backs after the 2004 season. In two years with the Yankees, he is 34-19 with a 4.37 ERA.
Posted by Steve Kenul at 4:44 PM
posted at 5:58 AM
And the race for Clemens is on! The Yankees might be in a little bit of trouble if they don't manage to sign him.
Steve Kenul posted at 6:12 PM
Honestly, I'd rather they not sign Clemens. It would be great if they did, but with all the young arms now with NY, it's time to start the grooming.
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