Yankees Forgo Big Stick, Go for Big Unit

It looks like the Yankees are at it again. A potential 3-team, 7-player deal between the Yankees, Dodges and Diamondbacks is in the works that would finally put Randy Johnson (after on again, off again talks) in pinstripes. Besides giving the Yankees a pitcher that is dominating when at his peak, they would add a left-hander to a stadium where lefties are very valuable. To obtain Johnson, the Yankees would send pitcher Javier Vazquez, catcher Dioner Navarro and 3rd basemen Eric Duncan to the Dodgers. Arizona would get 1st basemen and outfielder Shawn Green, pitchers Brad Penny and Yhency Brazoban from the Dodgers.

Johnson, a 41 year old lefty, is an intimidating presence when on the pitcher's mound. Standing at 6'10" and with arms that seem to go on for miles, it often seems like he is pitching from behind a left-handed batter's head. Problematic when you've got only a spit second to determine if a pitch is a ball or strike. In 2004, Johnson was 16-14 with a 2.60 ERA in 245.2 innings pitched. He also had a whopping 290 strikeouts.

Despite his age, Johnson pitched a perfect game during the 2004 season as a Diamondback. He has one year remaining on his contract at $16 million. An added bonus for owner George Steinbrenner, the Pedro Martinez introduction from yesterday is pushed off the back pages. Some reports say the deal still could fall apart because of Shawn Green's no trade clause.

Image by the AP