Yankees 2006-07 offseason thread

MisterMoss · Dec 25, 2006

I'm first on line to chip in to pay for part of his salary out of here.

jonnyd · Dec 25, 2006

why on earth would arizona take him back? I wouldnt get too excited fellas..and the yankees dont wanna pay any of the 16 mil?? So why on earth would this deal ever get done?

AMJets · Dec 25, 2006

I salivate at the thought of getting a small piece of that Arizona farm system. It'd be nice not to pay any of his salary, but if paying a small portion means getting one of their better prospects, then Cashman has to do it.

AMJets · Dec 25, 2006

A few links/rumors on the RJ front.

http://www.lohud.com/blogs/lohudyankees.html

Intrepid Ed Price of the Star-Ledger is reporting the Yankees are talking to the Diamondbacks about sending Randy Johnson back to Arizona.

What a Christmas present that would be for the Yankees, who are on the hook for $16 million for their 43-year-old No. 4 starter. A few things:

* Johnson has a no-trade clause but would approve this trade as fast as his bad back could get him to the phone. As far as I can tell, the only thing about New York he likes is the money.

* The Yankees would not want to pick up much, if any, of his remaining salary.

* Brian Cashman wouldn't expect Conor Jackson in return. But at least a few decent players. Johnson did win 17 games, after all.

* The Unit is 34-19 and has pitched 430.2 innings in his two seasons with the Yankees. His ERA isn't pretty (4.37) but he has largely done what they expected. It's not a stretch to think he could win 17 or 18 in the National League even coming off the surgery.

* I'm not sure why Arizona would want to make this deal. But if the Yankees can get rid of Johnson, they would do it. Cashman has already purged Tampa-faves Gary Sheffield and Jaret Wright.
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2708203

In the past week the Arizona Diamondbacks have offered a package of players to the New York Yankees in exchange for Randy Johnson, a baseball official said.

In need of starting pitching -- and a marquee name that will draw more fans -- the Diamondbacks have offered a package of at least three players, including a major-leaguer. They would also want a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Johnson, who is owed $16 million in the final year of his contract. The Yankees, according to the official, don't want to pick up any of Johnson's salary.

Johnson, 43, spent six seasons with Arizona and won four Cy Young Awards before being traded to New York in January 2005. At the time, Arizona was looking to shed payroll and bring in more youth.

Johnson had a full no-trade clause back then, as he does now. And it's believed that if the Yankees were to move him, Johnson would prefer to be closer to his Arizona home.

According to Johnson's agent, Alan Nero, the left-hander has not requested a trade.

"Randy would listen if the Yankees brought something to him," Nero said. "But that has not happened. I don't know what they're doing. It's still speculation as far as we're concerned."

The official said the San Diego Padres are also involved in trade discussions. It's believed that right-handed reliever Scott Linebrink could be the centerpiece of a deal.

If he returns to Arizona, Johnson, with 280 career wins, could get No. 300 as a Diamondback. If he goes to San Diego, he'd join 333-game winner Greg Maddux in the rotation. That is, if he stays healthy. Johnson had back surgery this offseason and it's unknown whether he'll be ready for Opening Day.
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I'd much prefer the D'Backs package than one for Linebrink, unless we get a big time prospect from SD like Adrian Gonzalez.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/12/25/bc.bba.yankees.johnson.ap/index.html

NEW YORK (AP) -- Randy Johnson could be leaving the New York Yankees after just two seasons.

The Yankees have started trade talks with several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, although it is too early to tell whether the discussions will lead to a deal.

Talks were confirmed Monday by a baseball official who had knowledge of them and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are in the preliminary stage. The Yankees' discussions with the Diamondbacks, Johnson's former club, were first reported by the New York Post and The Star-Ledger of New Jersey.

Alan Nero, one of Johnson's agents, said Monday he was informed of trade talks by Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

"I just had one conversation with Brian, and that's it. As far we know, there's nothing going on significant enough for us to become a part of it," Nero said. "I think Brian is just doing his job."

Johnson has a no-trade clause, meaning the 10-time All-Star must approve any deal. Nero said it was too early to say whether Arizona would be the pitcher's first choice if the Yankees do decide to trade the 43-year-old left-hander.

"We haven't discussed it, to be honest," Nero said. "This idea that Randy doesn't want to come back, that's not exactly true. I'm not aware of anything coming from our side that would force this. Whatever comes down, comes down, but it's not because Randy has demanded it or because we're participating in the process."

Cashman and Diamondbacks general partner Jeff Moorad did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

A five-time Cy Young Award winner, Johnson has been a disappointment with the Yankees despite a 34-19 regular-season record. He has a 4.37 ERA with New York -- including 5.00 last season -- and he is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA in three postseason appearances with the Yankees, struggling with his arm angle and a slider that often has lacked bite.

He appeared to be uncomfortable with New York even before he officially agreed to be dealt to the Yankees. He got into a confrontation on a Manhattan sidewalk with a television cameraman while walking to take his physical, then apologized.

While at times he has displayed a sense of humor, he has been grumpy for long stretches, especially when his back bothered him last season. He had surgery Oct. 26 to repair a herniated disc in his back -- he had a similar operation in 1996 -- and the Yankees said he might be behind other pitchers when spring training starts in mid-February.

New York's projected rotation also includes Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa -- who must complete his $20 million, five-year contract by Thursday. In addition, Carl Pavano hopes to return from injuries that have sidelined him for 1 1/2 seasons, and there are several young pitchers who could earn a starting spot, a group that includes Jeff Karstens, Humberto Sanchez and possibly top prospect Philip Hughes.

The Yankees also hope Roger Clemens will decide to follow Pettitte back to New York after three seasons with their hometown Houston Astros. Even if Clemens does decide to pitch, he might repeat his decision of last season to start his season in June.

Johnson is owed $16 million next year, the final season of his contract, with $1.5 million deferred without interest and payable through 2010.

He pitched for Arizona from 1999-04, winning the NL Cy Young Award in his first four seasons. He was co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, coming out of the bullpen to beat the Yankees in Game 7, and lives in the Phoenix area.
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FirstTimeCaller · Dec 26, 2006

General question ... So let's say you get rid of Johnson without picking up any salary, you get a bag of peanuts in return, I mean a real nobody prospect. Is it a good deal?

AMJets · Dec 26, 2006

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...ontent_id=1767666&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

D-backs confirm trade talks with Yanks
12/25/2006 9:20 PM ET
By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- The D-backs spoke over the past week with the Yankees about a deal that would have brought left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson back to the desert, but the two sides have struggled to reach an agreement on the players Arizona would send to New York.

"[Arizona GM Josh Byrnes] has had significant talks with the Yankees, but we have not been able to make a match at this point," D-backs team president Derrick Hall said.

The Yankees apparently have interest in some of Arizona's young starting pitchers as well as a reliever. The D-backs have been reluctant to part with their younger pitchers this offseason despite being approached by several clubs about them during and after the Winter Meetings.

The D-backs had planned on entering Spring Training with Edgar Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf, Micah Owings, Dana Eveland, Evan MacLane and Juan Cruz competing for the final two spots in the rotation behind Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez and Doug Davis.

"It shows the wealth of talent we have when the Yankees are interested in several of the pitchers who we feel will help our ballclub this year," Hall said without citing specific players. "For the same reason, we obviously have an interest in protecting that talent without sacrificing too much."

The Yankees may be willing to deal Johnson because of the depth they have in their rotation. Mike Mussina, Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa are projected starters, and they also have Carl Pavano -- who the team hopes is healthy after injury troubles the past two seasons -- and several young pitchers that could compete for a starting spot.

As he did with the D-backs, Johnson has a no-trade clause in his contract and would have to approve any deal. With 280 career wins, the 10-time All-Star is entering the final year of a contract extension he signed after joining the Yankees. Johnson will make $16 million next year. Of that total, $1.5 million is deferred without interest through 2010.

A member of Johnson's management team said he got a call from the Yankees on Monday confirming that the Bronx Bombers have had preliminary discussions with several teams regarding the left-hander.

"I just had one conversation with [Yankees GM] Brian [Cashman], and that's it," one of Johnson's agents, Alan Nero, told The Associated Press. "As far we know, there's nothing going on significant enough for us to become a part of it. I think Brian is just doing his job."

Johnson pitched for the D-backs from 1999-2004 before being dealt to the Yankees. Johnson's tenure in Arizona was filled with accomplishment as he won four NL Cy Young Awards and was named co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, a seven-game classic against the Yankees.

In 2004, Johnson went 16-14 with a 2.60 ERA for a D-backs team that lost 111 games and finished second to Roger Clemens in the Cy Young voting. In the offseason, the D-backs dealt him to the Yankees in exchange for right-hander Javier Vazquez, lefty Brad Halsey, catcher Dioner Navarro and cash. The D-backs then traded Navarro and three Minor Leaguers to the Dodgers for outfielder Shawn Green and cash.

In two seasons with the Yankees, Johnson is 34-19 with a 4.37 ERA, including a 5.01 ERA in 2006.
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http://www.lohud.com/blogs/lohudyankees.html

Johnson trade talks confirmed

Already today - and keep in mind that it's a holiday - Arizona team president Derrick Hall and agent Alan Nero have confirmed the talks between the Yankees and Diamondbacks regarding Randy Johnson.

It has been my experience that such talk usually indicates a trade will get done. Otherwise what is the upside of confirming it? Arizona isn't going to tease its fans while it's trying to sell tickets.

If Brian Cashman can get rid of Gary Sheffield, Jaret Wright and Randy Johnson, he will have had a heck of an offseason. Adding young players and cutting payroll gives the Yankees flexibility to make other moves now or during the season. That could include making a bid on Barry Zito or trying to trade for Dontrelle Willis.

Cash Money's power play last October could be the best thing to happen to the Yankees in a long time. He is taking the team in the exact right direction.
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FirstTimeCaller · Dec 26, 2006

The D-Backs want time to discuss an extension with Johnson?!?!?!?

WTF is going on?!?! Byrnes is obviously a moron.

AMJets · Dec 26, 2006

FirstTimeCaller said: ↑

General question ... So let's say you get rid of Johnson without picking up any salary, you get a bag of peanuts in return, I mean a real nobody prospect. Is it a good deal?
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Even though I expect them to get some decent value in return, I would say that would be a fine deal. Free up $16M, and a rotation spot that would go to one of the young guys if they "can't be denied" as Cashman said. Also opens up a possible spot for Clemens, and while I don't think Clemens in the AL East will be as good as he's been for Houston, I'll take a half of season of him over RJ.

FirstTimeCaller · Dec 26, 2006

I just don't see what's in the deal for the D-Backs. Porspects for Johnson and you're paying the majority of his $$.... and you're talking extension to a guy that's clearly breaking down. Why not just sign a free agent and keep the prospects.

AMJets · Dec 26, 2006

I can see them doing it for this year, but I don't get why they would do the extension. Looking at the fact his 5 ERA this year was a bit of a fluke (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=119), and that he would surely improve in the NL and give the D'Backs a legit shot at the playoffs, as long as they're not selling the farm, it would be a nice deal.

The extension makes it a dumb deal. But hey, if they're willing to take on his entire contract AND give up decent prospects, I'm all for it. :up:

FirstTimeCaller · Dec 26, 2006

10Pennington10 said: ↑

The extension makes it a dumb deal. But hey, if they're willing to take on his entire contract AND give up decent prospects, I'm all for it. :up:
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Looks like a no brainer... almost a little to good to be true.

AlioTheFool · Dec 26, 2006

I'd think the reason Arizona is looking to extend the contract is to renegotiate it. They can't seriously want to pay $16M to him next year. Spread out that $16 into a 2 year $20-26M contract, and save a few million per.

Also, the attraction of bringing him back would be to get fans to buy tickets to watch him win #300, which you can all but guarantee he won't get next year, no matter who he pitches for.

The only reason Arizona can realistically want him back would be as a ticket attraction. He has nothing to offer any team at this point other than the potential for sales as he approaches 300. (Sure he won close to 20 last year, but that was because the Yankees were scoring.)

FTC, my answer to your question is an absolute Hell Yes. If we have the oportunity to unload a contract worth almost a million per win, then yeah, even if we get a bag of peanuts in return, it's worth it. Plus, he's been hurt the whole time he's been here.

As 10P10 said, that $16M, if we unload the entire thing, allows us to make all kinds of deals elsewhere. It would open a big opportunity to lure Roger back. It would allow us to pursue Zito, but at 5/$75M, he is off my list now too. (I've wanted Zito from day one, but $15M a year for Zito is overvalued for the Yankees. For the Mets, it's a good deal, for us, it would probably valuate to another 1M per win.)

So yeah, if we only got a bag of peanuts in return, but drop the entire contract, we get a total win out of it.

AMJets · Dec 27, 2006

Yankees finally officially announce Igawa signing.

http://www.lohud.com/blogs/lohudyankees.html

It's been "official" for about a week now, guess they were waiting for after the Christmas holiday to release a statement.

nyjunc · Dec 28, 2006

sad news, Bobby Murcer has a Brain Tumor:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/483705p-407218c.html

AlioTheFool · Dec 28, 2006

nyjunc said: ↑

sad news, Bobby Murcer has a Brain Tumor:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/483705p-407218c.html
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Damn. That sucks. I always liked Murcer too.

MisterMoss · Dec 28, 2006

I'm not a big fan of Murcer the broadcaster, but he's definitely a cool guy and a gentleman. I heard about this 2 days ago. It's saddening.

AlioTheFool · Dec 28, 2006

MisterMoss said: ↑

I'm not a big fan of Murcer the broadcaster, but he's definitely a cool guy and a gentleman. I heard about this 2 days ago. It's saddening.
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I disagree on his broadcast skills. I think Murcer, O'Neil, and Leiter together are the best possible combination YES has to offer.

AMJets · Dec 28, 2006

I heard about Murcer a few days ago, but didn't post anything because it was only "speculation" that I couldn't prove. Very upsetting news.

AMJets · Dec 28, 2006

Btw, Keith Law said on ESPN Radio that the Yankees are going to pay some of RJ's salary if they get Conor Jackson or Carlos Quentin, two of the top prospects in baseball, in return. Specifically Jackson, who is a 1B (Quentin is an OF). Given Law's history as a scout, and the confidence he said it in, seems like the Yankees are almost expecting one of the two in the deal, as well as 1-2 solid pitching prospects.

And let me just say, if the Yankees somehow can get Conor Jackson in a deal for Randy F'N Johnson (regardless of how much salary they have to pay; probably <25%), it says that either Brian Cashman is the best GM in sports, or Josh Byrnes is the worst GM in sports.

Learn To Swim · Dec 28, 2006

Jackson or Quentin PLUS pitching for Randy Johnson?!?!

Good god. If that happens I'm going to fly to Arizona and piss in Josh Byrnes' shoes.

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