[EmpireWF]

This is somewhat surprising news. It looks like the Yankees are just having preliminary trade talks with some teams revolving around The Big Unit. The AP Story says the Diamondbacks are one of the teams talking with the Yanks. Of course, Johnson has a complete no-trade clause so he must approve any potential deal.

Remember also, he is coming off of surgery and may or may not be ready for the start of spring training or even the season. But it does look like all the moves in the rotation has the Yanks interested in moving out some of the old.

[Lefty Noob]

I'm sort of surprised anyone would take a flier on an aging, dinged-up one-time fireballer.

[legend]

If this is out there it is with Johnson's blessing, and you can bet he'd love to get back in the NL where he can pick up 20 wins to get to 300 alot easier than in the AL. Good riddance if they can pull it off.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I'm sort of surprised anyone would take a flier on an aging, dinged-up one-time fireballer.

What a great move for the Yankees if they can get...ANYONE for him!!!

[mervinout]

espn is saying if the yankees are able to move randy in a quick fashion that the yankees will pursue barry zito, he wants 16 mil a yr and thats what randy makes so it wouldnt be that much of a dent in their budget. What you guys think of barry zito as a yankee

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by mervinout

What you guys think of barry zito as a yankee

as a Red Sox fan, i think this move sucks

course its the smart thing for the Yankees to do......Johnson is way past his prime and may be very lucky to get 15 wins next year, if he can stay healthy

Zito would be a great replacement.........i hope the deal falls through

[MJHMarc]

Barry Zito to the Yankees, Mets, or Rangers. DECIDE!

[mervinout]

if what he is looking for is a place to win as he says he is, i say the yankees. But if he is afraid of the big town, i gotta feeling he will end up with the angels or the rangers

[ThePundit]

Don't let the door hit Randy on the way out. I can't believe someone wants him.

[MVB]

I highly doubt he'll be traded now that Zito has gone to San Fransisco. The Yankees were only spreading this rumor around in case they did sign Barry Zito to take Johnson's spot in the rotation.

Good feeling gone...

[mervinout]

i see it different then that. Randy johnson is going to win 20 games in the next two seasons easily. The dimondbacks need something like that to put fans in the seats. Cause he is only 20 wins away from 300. At most i see him winning 5 games with a 4+ era. So in reality he is a four pitcher and pavano can do that if healthy and if he isnt it opens up the door for sanchez or hughes to make there mark in the bronx.

[mervinout]

this is from espn insider:mlb rumors

Dec 31 - A trade of Randy Johnson from the Yankees to the Diamondbacks seemed to be picking up steam, but The New York Daily News is reporting that money has caused the deal to hit a snag. A source told the newspaper that Arizona, which already owes the Big Unit $40 million in deferred money, wants to factor that money into any extension it gives Johnson.
The Diamondbacks also reportedly want the Yankees to help pay for Johnson's $16 million salary in 2006, but if the Yankees help Arizona financially they want three bona fide prospects in return.

Not only do they want to pay randy with his own money for his second year but they want the yankees to pay his first year. I think cashman is doing a great job trading vets im sure he will get the best for the yanks out of this deal. What you guys think?

[EmpireWF]

I think it's hilarious the Yankees want the DBacks to pay RJ's contract AND send over some nice pitching prospects.

I see this getting done within two weeks and they'll settle and compromise w/ the $$$ issues.

[MJHMarc]

The Yankees like to get their cake, and eat it too. But unlike most other teams, they do so.

[ThePundit]

According to Ken Davidoff at Newsday, a Randy Johnson deal is actually getting close.

Momentum continues to build toward Randy Johnson's return to Arizona, as one official involved in the discussions described the odds of such a deal as "good." It appears just a matter of time now before the Yankees ship the Big Unit back to the team from which they acquired him two years ago.
The remaining issues to be resolved largely concern money, the official said.

.Arizona deal closer - Newsday.com
That's cool. What a bust he's been