Official - Randy Johnson traded to the D'Backs

[RynoRules]

I don't get why AZ wanted to do this.

 

Me either.

 

I wonder if it would be better for Johnsons career to be a closer instead?

 

Maybe, but I would bet he'd rather have his toenails pulled out one at a time.

[NorthsideAvenger]

My thoughts...the whole stockpiling talent for Santana/Willis thing isn't for this offseason, its for next offseason. And depending on what happens this year, I really think the Yanks are not going to trade Hughes. Which means, they still don't have enough for Santana. They could probably get Willis though, for what they have now. Tabata's stock could go way up this year.

 

I agree. If the Twins are going to trade Santana (I hope for the future of their club, they don't) they are going to ask for Phillp Hughes AND Tabata to begin any negotiations. But as I mention earlier, I believe the Dodgers/Angels have better shots at landing Santana, due to their deeper farm systems.

[nilodnayr]

My thoughts...the whole stockpiling talent for Santana/Willis thing isn't for this offseason, its for next offseason. And depending on what happens this year, I really think the Yanks are not going to trade Hughes. Which means, they still don't have enough for Santana. They could probably get Willis though, for what they have now. Tabata's stock could go way up this year.

 

I agree. If the Twins are going to trade Santana (I hope for the future of their club, they don't) they are going to ask for Phillp Hughes AND Tabata to begin any negotiations. But as I mention earlier, I believe the Dodgers/Angels have better shots at landing Santana, due to their deeper farm systems.

 

While the Dodgers and Angels definitely have deeper systems, its going to be more about quality than quantity for Santana. A team is probably only going to be eligible if they have 2 top 25 prospects. Both must be included along with other quality prospects (Owings and Sanchez are also top 50). Theres a big drop off from Wood to whoever is considered the #2 Angels prospect. The Dodgers have the high end and depth necessary.

[nilodnayr]

My thoughts...the whole stockpiling talent for Santana/Willis thing isn't for this offseason, its for next offseason. And depending on what happens this year, I really think the Yanks are not going to trade Hughes. Which means, they still don't have enough for Santana. They could probably get Willis though, for what they have now. Tabata's stock could go way up this year.

 

I agree. If the Twins are going to trade Santana (I hope for the future of their club, they don't) they are going to ask for Phillp Hughes AND Tabata to begin any negotiations. But as I mention earlier, I believe the Dodgers/Angels have better shots at landing Santana, due to their deeper farm systems.

 

While the Dodgers and Angels definitely have deeper systems, its going to be more about quality than quantity for Santana. A team is probably only going to be eligible if they have 2 top 25 prospects. Both must be included along with other quality prospects (Owings and Sanchez are also top 50). Theres a big drop off from Wood to whoever is considered the #2 Angels prospect. The Dodgers have the high end and depth necessary.

 

Obviously the Dodgers and Angels and have major league pieces such as E. Santana and Billingsley that they could provide as well. I didn't mean to say that they wouldnt be eligible partners, just that the Yanks are also.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Obviously the Dodgers and Angels and have major league pieces such as E. Santana and Billingsley that they could provide as well. I didn't mean to say that they wouldnt be eligible partners, just that the Yanks are also.

 

The only reason why the Yankees are going to be mentioned, is simply because they are the Yankees. Otherwise, they may get a conversation or two, but I don't see NYY being a big cog in negotiations for Santana. IMO, Minny will do one of two things with Santana: 1. Signed him long-term or 2. Trade him to the NL. I mean outside of Hughes/Tabata there's not to much talent the Twins would want for Santana, and I hope they re-signed him before this discussions becomes legitimate.

[nilodnayr]

Obviously the Dodgers and Angels and have major league pieces such as E. Santana and Billingsley that they could provide as well. I didn't mean to say that they wouldnt be eligible partners, just that the Yanks are also.

 

The only reason why the Yankees are going to be mentioned, is simply because they are the Yankees. Otherwise, they may get a conversation or two, but I don't see NYY being a big cog in negotiations for Santana. IMO, Minny will do one of two things with Santana: 1. Signed him long-term or 2. Trade him to the NL. I mean outside of Hughes/Tabata there's not to much talent the Twins would want for Santana, and I hope they re-signed him before this discussions becomes legitimate.

 

I (like you) would like to see the Twins resign Santana, but its just not possible for them to fit that salary in their budget. Yes they will have a lot more room once Hunter leaves, but its not like they have a cheap in house alternative to replace him and his production in CF. If Liriano is able to come back strong and with Garza, Baker, and Bosner on the cusp, coupled with the fact that Mauer and Morneau will become much more expensive in a couple years, it makes the most sense for the Twins to trade Santana after next season for an unprecedented bounty. If he has to go to the NL, then the Dodgers or the D'backs (if they up payroll past the 2006 level) probably have the best shot. Imagine if for one year the D'backs had Webb, Santana, and Johnson in their rotation!

[Rusch33]

According to Rotoworld:

 

A source told USA TODAY that a Randy Johnson deal between the Yankees and Diamondbacks will get done this week.

The Yankees are reportedly set to get three players -- a major league reliever and two pitching prospects -- so it looks like they'll be paying a substantial portion of the $16 million that Johnson was owed. It was previously reported the Diamondbacks would have to give up just the two prospects if they were going to pay all or nearly all of Johnson's salary. The reliever the Yankees are getting is probably Brandon Medders, though Luis Vizcaino has also been mentioned. Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf and Micah Owings were the prospects most frequently coming up in talks.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/yankees/2007-01-02-johnson-trade_x.htm

[Post Count Padder]

Johnson agrees to contract, deal to be made in next 2-3 days:

 

Randy Johnson-S- Yankees Jan. 4 - 2:15 am et

 

 

The Yankees and Diamondbacks have advanced far enough in their discussions that Randy Johnson has already agreed, in principle, to a contract extension for 2008 with Arizona, two people familiar with the situation told Newsday.

 

So many varying opinions, but this is the most concrete report to come in so far. Newsday says the Yankees will get Luis Vizcaino, not Brandon Medders, in the deal. They're also expected to get Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf or Micah Owings. It's still possible they'll receive two of the three pitching prospects, but they'd have to kick in more money for that to happen. According to the report, the deal remains two or three days away from being finalized.

Source: Newsday

[cheapseats]

Johnson agrees to contract, deal to be made in next 2-3 days:

 

Randy Johnson-S- Yankees Jan. 4 - 2:15 am et

 

 

The Yankees and Diamondbacks have advanced far enough in their discussions that Randy Johnson has already agreed, in principle, to a contract extension for 2008 with Arizona, two people familiar with the situation told Newsday.

 

So many varying opinions, but this is the most concrete report to come in so far. Newsday says the Yankees will get Luis Vizcaino, not Brandon Medders, in the deal. They're also expected to get Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf or Micah Owings. It's still possible they'll receive two of the three pitching prospects, but they'd have to kick in more money for that to happen. According to the report, the deal remains two or three days away from being finalized.

Source: Newsday

 

Unless the Yankees sign Clemens, this is a dumb short-term move.

[abuck1220]

none of the players the yankees are getting are anything special. then again, rj may not be anything special over the next two seasons either.

[cheapseats]

none of the players the yankees are getting are anything special. then again, rj may not be anything special over the next two seasons either.

 

But it's very likely he will be. The Yankees are giving up a guy who projects to be their #1 pitcher next year.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=119

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Smart move by the Yanks, dumb move by AZ. Unit will be **45** years old at the end of his new deal, what is AZ thinking? They're already on the hook to him for $16MM for his LAST stint in the desert.

 

Too bad Mark Prior is perma-damaged, because otherwise, a Unit trade screams to me....Zambrano for A-Rod? If we had a healthy Mark Prior, I'd do it.

[goonys evil twin]

none of the players the yankees are getting are anything special. then again, rj may not be anything special over the next two seasons either.

 

But it's very likely he will be. The Yankees are giving up a guy who projects to be their #1 pitcher next year.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=119

 

At his age, and with his health history, I really can't believe anybody could have any faith that Johnson will be an ace next year. There are far two many variables that can bring him crashing down.

 

Plus, for every dollar the Yankees don't have to spend on him, there's extra luxury tax dollars they don't have to spend.

[cheapseats]

none of the players the yankees are getting are anything special. then again, rj may not be anything special over the next two seasons either.

 

But it's very likely he will be. The Yankees are giving up a guy who projects to be their #1 pitcher next year.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=119

 

At his age, and with his health history, I really can't believe anybody could have any faith that Johnson will be an ace next year. There are far two many variables that can bring him crashing down.

 

Plus, for every dollar the Yankees don't have to spend on him, there's extra luxury tax dollars they don't have to spend.

 

We'll see. I'm not sure that Arizona should have negotiated an extra year, but I expect him to do well in 2007. It's not just writers at BP picking out Johnson to have a good year next year.

 

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/dips-lips-and-hips/

 

Randy Johnson was the unluckiest pitcher in baseball last year, and Wang was the luckiest.

 

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

 

Short-sighted was going for all the old guys in the first place. This might not turn out great, but it's definitely not short-sighted.

[cheapseats]

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

 

Short-sighted was going for all the old guys in the first place. This might not turn out great, but it's definitely not short-sighted.

 

Myopia isn't confined to the near future; it's possible to be short-sighted about the past as well.

 

The Yankees are looking at one bad year and trading away a guy who could put up a 4ish ERA in the AL East for a couple of prospects, neither of which is rated higher than a B. If the Yanks were rebuilding, I'd be all for it, but they should be in a position to win it all in 2007.

 

We'll see how he does next year. You're right that his age makes him risky to project because there are so few comparables, but he should be at least Arizona's #2 in 2007.

[CubinNY]

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

 

Short-sighted was going for all the old guys in the first place. This might not turn out great, but it's definitely not short-sighted.

 

Myopia isn't confined to the near future; it's possible to be short-sighted about the past as well.

 

The Yankees are looking at one bad year and trading away a guy who could put up a 4ish ERA in the AL East for a couple of prospects, neither of which is rated higher than a B. If the Yanks were rebuilding, I'd be all for it, but they should be in a position to win it all in 2007.

 

We'll see how he does next year. You're right that his age makes him risky to project because there are so few comparables, but he should be at least Arizona's #2 in 2007.

 

I don't disagree with you, but it is my understanding that Johnosn didn't much care for NY and the media attention. He's been hounded since his first day in NY when he swore at a news reporter and camera man. When the NY media turns on you NY can be a very unfriendly place for a high profile athlete.

 

Maybe Johnson asked to be dealt?

[goonys evil twin]

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

 

Short-sighted was going for all the old guys in the first place. This might not turn out great, but it's definitely not short-sighted.

 

Myopia isn't confined to the near future; it's possible to be short-sighted about the past as well.

 

The Yankees are looking at one bad year and trading away a guy who could put up a 4ish ERA in the AL East for a couple of prospects, neither of which is rated higher than a B. If the Yanks were rebuilding, I'd be all for it, but they should be in a position to win it all in 2007.

 

We'll see how he does next year. You're right that his age makes him risky to project because there are so few comparables, but he should be at least Arizona's #2 in 2007.

 

I don't disagree with you, but it is my understanding that Johnosn didn't much care for NY and the media attention. He's been hounded since his first day in NY when he swore at a news reporter and camera man. When the NY media turns on you NY can be a very unfriendly place for a high profile athlete.

 

Maybe Johnson asked to be dealt?

 

The story in NY is that Cashman called Johnson to give his condolesences about somebody who died, and in that conversation Randy mentioned he wouldn't mind being traded.

 

Also, he isn't being dealt solely because of last year. NY soured on him almost from the start. And George felt letdown by Randy in 2005, including his 6+ ERA. Basically, he wasn't nearly as dominant as they expected him to be.

 

Last, but not least, I'm disgusted in cheapseats concerns about NY not making smart moves.

[cheapseats]

I'm a Cubs fan, but I also have Yankees season tickets for work, and I hate to see them doing something this short-sighted.

 

Short-sighted was going for all the old guys in the first place. This might not turn out great, but it's definitely not short-sighted.

 

Myopia isn't confined to the near future; it's possible to be short-sighted about the past as well.

 

The Yankees are looking at one bad year and trading away a guy who could put up a 4ish ERA in the AL East for a couple of prospects, neither of which is rated higher than a B. If the Yanks were rebuilding, I'd be all for it, but they should be in a position to win it all in 2007.

 

We'll see how he does next year. You're right that his age makes him risky to project because there are so few comparables, but he should be at least Arizona's #2 in 2007.

 

I don't disagree with you, but it is my understanding that Johnosn didn't much care for NY and the media attention. He's been hounded since his first day in NY when he swore at a news reporter and camera man. When the NY media turns on you NY can be a very unfriendly place for a high profile athlete.

 

Maybe Johnson asked to be dealt?

 

The story in NY is that Cashman called Johnson to give his condolesences about somebody who died, and in that conversation Randy mentioned he wouldn't mind being traded.

 

Also, he isn't being dealt solely because of last year. NY soured on him almost from the start. And George felt letdown by Randy in 2005, including his 6+ ERA. Basically, he wasn't nearly as dominant as they expected him to be.

 

Last, but not least, I'm disgusted in cheapseats concerns about NY not making smart moves.

 

I do feel a little dirty in wishing NY well.

 

Johnson's primary agent lives in the Chicago area and is a friend of a friend. Since I moved away from Chicago, I don't talk to my friend often, but I'm sure he could tell me if Johnson asked for a trade.

 

I don't doubt that Johnson asked to be traded, but just because a guy asks for a trade doesn't mean that it's always in the team's best interest to do so.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't doubt that Johnson asked to be traded, but just because a guy asks for a trade doesn't mean that it's always in the team's best interest to do so.

 

No, but when he's really expensive, counts double because of the luxury tax, is very old and brittle and coming off two down years (no matter how unlucky they may have been) - including poor postseasons, hearing that he's not 100% committed to your team could easily be justification for getting rid of a guy.

[cheapseats]

I don't doubt that Johnson asked to be traded, but just because a guy asks for a trade doesn't mean that it's always in the team's best interest to do so.

 

No, but when he's really expensive, counts double because of the luxury tax, is very old and brittle and coming off two down years (no matter how unlucky they may have been) - including poor postseasons, hearing that he's not 100% committed to your team could easily be justification for getting rid of a guy.

 

Oh sure. And the fans don't like him either. It'll actually be a popular move when he is traded.

 

I'm not sure how much luxury tax relief NY will get, though, as the rumor is Arizona will demand NY pay a big chunk of Johnson's salary this year if they give up two prospects. Does anyone know whether NY would have to pay the tax on that amount?

[NCCubFan]

I'm not sure how much luxury tax relief NY will get, though, as the rumor is Arizona will demand NY pay a big chunk of Johnson's salary this year if they give up two prospects. Does anyone know whether NY would have to pay the tax on that amount?

I'm not sure, but I don't think it would count against the Yankees. I believe that the way such arrangements usually work is that the Yankees would send the Diamondbacks the money, and the Diamondbacks would then pay his full salary. In effect the Yankees would be paying a portion of the salary, but the Diamondbacks would actually be writing the checks.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't doubt that Johnson asked to be traded, but just because a guy asks for a trade doesn't mean that it's always in the team's best interest to do so.

 

No, but when he's really expensive, counts double because of the luxury tax, is very old and brittle and coming off two down years (no matter how unlucky they may have been) - including poor postseasons, hearing that he's not 100% committed to your team could easily be justification for getting rid of a guy.

 

Oh sure. And the fans don't like him either. It'll actually be a popular move when he is traded.

 

I'm not sure how much luxury tax relief NY will get, though, as the rumor is Arizona will demand NY pay a big chunk of Johnson's salary this year if they give up two prospects. Does anyone know whether NY would have to pay the tax on that amount?

 

I don't know, but I'm guessing they would. Even if they pay $10m of $16m, that's $6m in savings, and an additional 40% ($2.4m) in luxury tax.

 

If they are paying the vast majority of the contract, then it's really stupid.

[Omar]

The "Breaking News" box on ESPNEWS says "NYY and AZ have a tentative deal on Randy Johnson"

[nilodnayr]

I don't doubt that Johnson asked to be traded, but just because a guy asks for a trade doesn't mean that it's always in the team's best interest to do so.

 

No, but when he's really expensive, counts double because of the luxury tax, is very old and brittle and coming off two down years (no matter how unlucky they may have been) - including poor postseasons, hearing that he's not 100% committed to your team could easily be justification for getting rid of a guy.

 

Oh sure. And the fans don't like him either. It'll actually be a popular move when he is traded.

 

I'm not sure how much luxury tax relief NY will get, though, as the rumor is Arizona will demand NY pay a big chunk of Johnson's salary this year if they give up two prospects. Does anyone know whether NY would have to pay the tax on that amount?

 

I don't know, but I'm guessing they would. Even if they pay $10m of $16m, that's $6m in savings, and an additional 40% ($2.4m) in luxury tax.

 

If they are paying the vast majority of the contract, then it's really stupid.

 

Yeah, but when the Yanks sign Clemens for 20M the saving on the lux tax will be a moot point. I can't believe the Yanks do this move without being absolutely sure that Clemens will play with them before June 22nd. And now I feel double dirty, because I'm concerned about the Yank's moves but I coaxed Clemens in a keeper fantasy trade last year based on the assumption he wasn't going to come back.