12/26/2006 8:35 PM ET
By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- While the Diamondbacks have publicly acknowledged talks with the
Yankees about a potential trade for Randy Johnson, the Yankees are staying
quiet when it comes to the left-hander's future in New York.
Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall told MLB.com on Monday that the two sides
have had discussions about Johnson, but Yankees general manager Brian Cashman
did not return a phone call Tuesday and was unavailable for comment.
One baseball official with knowledge of the situation placed the odds at
"65-35" that the Yankees would deal Johnson, who has won 17 games in each of
his two seasons in New York.
The official, who was granted anonymity because of the sensitive nature of
the talks, said that the Yankees would certainly be willing to part with the
five-time Cy Young Award winner for the right package of players and/or
prospects.
"If it makes sense, it will get done," said the official. "But it isn't
something that has to get done."
On Monday, Hall said that Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes had held "significant
talks" with the Yankees, but added that the two teams had not been able to
put the right mix of players together to complete a deal.
Johnson has a full no-trade clause, but would likely be willing to waive it
to return to Arizona. As of Tuesday, Johnson had not made an official trade
demand to the Yankees.
The official said that the Padres have inquired about Johnson as well;
reliever Scott Linebrink is believed to be the San Diego player that
interests the Yankees the most. The Dodgers and Angels have also been
mentioned in published reports as potential suitors, but it is unknown
whether Cashman has spoken with either Los Angeles club.
Alan Nero, one of Johnson's agents, told the Associated Press on Monday that
he spoke that day with Cashman, who informed him of preliminary discussions
with several teams regarding the left-hander.
"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."
The Yankees have Johnson penciled into a rotation with Chien-Ming Wang, Mike
Mussina, Andy Pettitte and either Kei Igawa or Carl Pavano. Should the
Yankees deal Johnson, it would open a spot for the team to pursue Barry Zito,
the top free agent remaining on the market.
The official said that the Yankees aren't likely to pay Zito the $100 million
over six years that he is looking for, but if Zito and his agent, Scott
Boras, offer them a discounted deal -- just as Boras client Carlos Beltran
did two years ago before signing with the Mets -- the Yankees could have some
interest.
The Yankees could also be looking to trade Johnson to open a spot in the
rotation -- as well as some space on the payroll -- for Roger Clemens, who
has yet to announce his plans for 2007. However, New York could pursue
Clemens even if Johnson is still on the team.
"I would think Roger would be in the mix no matter who is in [the Yankees']
rotation," the official said.
Should the Yankees trade Johnson, they also have some internal candidates in
the farm system who could battle for a rotation spot, including Humberto
Sanchez, Jeff Karstens, Darrell Rasner and top prospect Philip Hughes.
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