12/25: Yankees' Christmas Hot Stove
Posted by: James
We started off the day with more credible sources adding to the rumors of Randy Johnson being traded back to the Diamondbacks. As the day has gone on, we have the following from an ESPN report:
MMmmnn - that's good hot stove. More on this as it develops but my initial thoughts are that if they really plan on trading Johnson, they'd better have something else cooking on the pitching front. I know that the guy put up a 5.00 ERA last year but he also tied for the team lead in starts and Ks and was close to first in innings pitched and limited opponents to a .251 AVG and a FIP of 4.32. I wonder what would happen if you take that away from the team and just move everyone else in the rotation up a slot (though to be fair, RJ is the #4 guy so not that many guys move up). It'll be interesting to see what various scenarios are thrown out there as this trade develops.
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.
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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.
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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.
MMmmnn - that's good hot stove. More on this as it develops but my initial thoughts are that if they really plan on trading Johnson, they'd better have something else cooking on the pitching front. I know that the guy put up a 5.00 ERA last year but he also tied for the team lead in starts and Ks and was close to first in innings pitched and limited opponents to a .251 AVG and a FIP of 4.32. I wonder what would happen if you take that away from the team and just move everyone else in the rotation up a slot (though to be fair, RJ is the #4 guy so not that many guys move up). It'll be interesting to see what various scenarios are thrown out there as this trade develops.
Seamus wrote:
And if not, I'm sure Andy Pettite will be a fine replacement.