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Yankees, Diamondbacks Agree to Trade
There had been rumors for days and many thought the deal was falling through. That was not the case as the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a trade that will send Randy Johnson back to Arizona.
This has not yet been announced, so yes you’ve heard it here first. I am still gathering as many details as I can but I am told this is done.
Apparently the agreement was for two prospects (Nippert & Owings) but there were no further details on the money situation. The two teams have agreed but it is pending a contract extension. The D-Backs will have a 72 hour window to negotiate with Johnson. If that falls through [and I hope it doesn’t] the entire trade will fall through.
There were rumors a few days ago that the two teams had agreed to the trade but they pulled it off the table because contract extension talks weren’t going anywhere.
Update:
Now I am being told the Yankees may get three prospects back in return.
Rumors:
There are a ton of rumors swirling now, none that I have been able to confirm.
1 - Conor Jackson will be coming to New York.
2 - The Yankees will pay $6 million of RJ’s remaining contract.
3 - The Yankees will be sending a second player over to Arizona in this deal.
Again, I have been unable to confirm these rumors. I stand by what I listed above however. This deal is done.
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264 Responses to “Yankees, Diamondbacks Agree to Trade”
December 30th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Damn, Dan, I got to go to work! AHHHHHHH I want to know the details. Oh well, it will have to wait till 11 tonight.
December 30th, 2006 at 2:13 pm
The commissioner’s office doesn’t open until Tuesday, so nothing will be official until then at the earliest.
December 30th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
They still have to negotiate the contract extension so that kinda works out.
December 30th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
oh crap. I wouldn’t do this trade if I was Josh Byrnes. He’s smarter than that, so either our prospects are overrated or this rumor isn’t quite right
December 30th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Dan thats sick that you do the yankees and giants too honestly about the trade i would rather have a good name not a big name but a better name becuase seeing those names i dont know them do you know there stuff from last year in single a or watever
December 30th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
both were in AAA, and Owings pitched us to the AAA title
December 30th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
Uhh, is this source a reliable one?
If this is true, this’ll put you right on the map!
December 30th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Steve-o - Well, keep it in mind over the next 72 hours.
The info I get is usually 99% accurate. If you look back in the archives a bit I had the Andy Pettitte info 3 days before anyone else did.
And if I want to toot my own horn I can draw you attention to the Giants signing Plaxico Burress and Lavar Arrington. Both of which I had up before anyone else - although the Arrington one came with a lot of bumps.
December 30th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Greg - I am sick, aren’t I?
As for those prospects they (I believe) are the top 2 the D-Backs have and they are highly regarded. Very good for the Yanks farm system, not so good for the year ahead of them.
In the long run it will do them good. It’s a good trade if you ask me.
December 30th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
Toot Toot Dan, good work.
What happened to the middle reliever Medders that the Yanks were so keen on obtaining?
December 30th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
This is my first post, but Dan, you’re wrong about these two guys being the DBack’s top prospects. Upton, Young, Gonzalez and Montero all rank higher than Owings, and a few other guys typically rank higher than Nippert (who is ranked a bit below Owings).
December 30th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
From John Sickel’s 2006 top-20 prospect list for the Diamondbacks:
#6 Micah Owings, RHP, B (solid all-around pitching prospect)
#9 Dustin Nippert, RHP, B- (Seems nervous in the majors)
http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/12/6/12650/2877
December 30th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
I was reading Patick Reusse of Star Tribune on his recent column says that Twins have no shot resigning Santana and have to trade him until He becomes a free agent next winter.
If Santana does become available in trade next winter, he’s probably the one player the Yankees would give up Philip Hughes to bring in” Why would yankees trade hughes when Santana who becomes free agent next year?
source - Star Tribune
December 30th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Shawn - You are correct. These are 2 of the top 10 DBack prospects. Sorry about that. Read something real fast before and clearly wasn’t reading it properly.
Mediaj - I read that to. I was also told that he is the ONLY player the Yanks would consider trading Hughes for should the chance come up.
December 30th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
From what I’ve seen, Owings & Nippert are the most likely prospects to be dealt, and as for the 3rd guy..chances are it’s Luis Vizcaino, even though the Yanks seem to really want Medders.
It just seems the most reasonable for the D-Backs considering this is Vizcaino’s last season under contract. But either way, Owings is the guy I’m particularly interested in. He seems like he’s got good control & that’s always a good thing. Nippert, I’m iffy about him. He seems like he’s been rattled easily, and I’m wondering if it’d be smarter to swap him for Ohlendorf, who’s another 1 with nice control.
December 30th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Why would the Dbacks trade their top 2 pitching prospects for RJ when they would sign him as a FA next off season. With or without RJ the Dbacks arent challenging for what truly matters next season (World Series championship), so it makes no sense to add him at that cost. I am sure you are reporting what you are hearing, but I believe that Josh Brynes is too good at his job to be taken like that. I personally think Medders & Nippert would be about as good a deal the Dbacks would offer, I dont see Owings being moved in this deal.
December 30th, 2006 at 4:57 pm
Dbacks will offer Rj extension so therefore Owings will be lncluded in that deal. Rj will win his #300 and he’s a future hall of famer.
December 30th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
RJ wont win 300 until the 2008 season anyway (giving the Dbacks ample oppurtunity to signing him before hand), and I dont see how Owings inclusion in the deal affects whether they sign him to an extension or not.
December 30th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Forgot to note that RJ’s going into the HoF as a Dback already anyway.
December 30th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
If the Diamondbacks are still making deferred payments to Johnson from years past, they probably would rather have him drawing $$$ pitching for them. Why not bring him back at a discount (Yankee $$$) and both teams save/make $$$. The Yanks just had their badass batting order shut down by the Tigers homegrown pitchers. Then you have teams paying crazy $$$ to average pitchers. Everyone wins, D-backs, Johnson, Yanks, all make $$$$$$$$$$$
GET IT. BTW anyone who thinks these guys are stupid IS STUPID!!!!
December 30th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
There’s an article in one of the Minnesota newspaper that mentions Johan Santana and it says: Goodbye Minnesota, Hello New York. It says that the contract that Barry Zito just signed, means the Twins will not be able to afford to pay Santana that kind of money and that they will be forced to trade him before the 2008 season. Santana is an Ace and a pitcher the Yankees should trade for at any cost except for Phillip Hughes.
December 30th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Tigers “homegrown” pitchers accounted for all of 7.1 innings of the 35 innings in the series (Verlander & Zumaya) - Bonderman was groomed by the A’s before the Tigers threw him into the fire. Verlander was “ok” in his start but he certainly didnt shut the Yanks down. Either way, the prospects mentioned in rumors are not in the calibur of Zumaya, Verlander or Bonderman.
As far as the deferred money owed to Johnson, the Dbacks have to pay him either way, so there would be no benefit in overpaying to acquire him in order to pay him money already owed.
December 30th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Nice job getting this info. If it pans out it makes Cashman look like a genius. The Yankees get the #6 (Owings) and #15 (Nippert) prospects from one of the top five farm systems in the league. Cashman is taking advantage of the D-Backs because they need to put a familiar face back on the team to bring people back to the stadium. But what is up with all the right handed pitching the Yankees are stock pilling? They couldn’t possibly have a spot for all of them in AAA next year. Do you think there doing it to spin them in a trade before next season?
December 30th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
The prospects will not be very useful to the Yankees in 2007 and they don’t hold much trade value should Cashman decide to spin them off.
I’d rather take the Padres rumored offer (according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post) of Scott Linebrink and Kevin Kouzmanoff.
Linebrink can be useful this year and Kouzmanoff has significant trade value. He has the highest EQA in organized baseball and some scouts project him to a be a better hitter than Marte.
Your sources must be crooked Arizona pundits IMHO. I doubt the Yankee camp is talking right now.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
It’s time for the Yankees to move on and lower the roster age to the early 30’s from the high of 34 (!) registered mid-way through the 2005 season. The time to dump Johnson was at hand a year ago.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
No offense Dan, but there really is no credibility here. You “heard” this? From who? Your past articles havent exactly been on the money either. I really mean no disrespect, but I dont see anything in this thread that provides any more credible information than all the other speculation out there. I hope you are right. But it’s pure speculation at this point.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
My point is that the value of pitchers going through the roof. The Diamondbacks would be getting quite a bargain if they could get the Yankees to pick up a significant portion of his salary. Thats where the prospects come in, the quality of the prospects basically would depend on the portion of Johnsons salary covered by the Yanks. Johnson is a box office draw, so the franchise makes more money. I wasnt exactly comparing the talent of these prospects to the Tigers staff, and the 7.1/35 innings stat is great, but without those pitchers the Tigers dont even make the playoffs. Cashman knows the value of young pitching, the D-Backs know the value of Randy Johnson. Im not really comparing these prospects to Verlander or Zumaya, moreso with Gil Meche or Ted Lilly, and the money theyre being paid.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:13 pm
this can’t be totally true. Owings won’t be moved in a stupid move like this. Remember, Byrnes was the one that said bye bye to Luis Gonzalez, so he won’t be taken advantage of just to bring people to the park by getting RJ
December 30th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
[quote]”Quote from Peter’s Abraham Blog about yankees ”
“The Yankees have had a $200 million-plus payroll for two years now and not advanced past the first round.
It’s reasonable to believe that Steve Swindal, once he is in charge, will not spend money as wildly as his father-in-law. The Yankees will have to learn how to survive at “only” $150 million or whatever.
Better to get the prospects now and prepare for that day then try and makes cuts all at once. I think this is the exact right move”[/quote]
Do you agree with Peter when George steps down , Steve Swindal takes power and who’s in charge, Yankees have to cut payroll and spend less?
December 30th, 2006 at 6:20 pm
I want Cashman to trade Rj to the Padres and get Arizona back for screwing us with Schilling.
The same management that supposidly screwed us with Schilling is no longer running the show. In fact, rumor is that Colangelo was fired BECAUSE he gave up Schilling for a bag of balls, and put screwing the Yankees ahead of his team’s best interest
December 30th, 2006 at 6:22 pm
Allz I have to say is, that third prospect better be Miguel Montero. Even then, I’d prefer Kouzmanoff and Linebrink.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:33 pm
Twodeemo - Say what you will. I’d say that Pettitte thing hit the nail on the head pretty well. The other article were all posted with links to where the info was provided, so I was only as correct as the New York beat writers.
And of course I am not going to name sources. If I do that, I won’t have them anymore. Give it 72 hours and see for yourself.
I got these same replies when I announced the Lavar Arrington signing. It comes with the territory.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
Dan,
You don’t have to name your source but you can describe your source as a Yankee official if it is a Yankee official. If it is a Yankee official then it adds to your credibility so you should verify that. If it isn’t, why would you trust their side? Isn’t it in their best interests to to diminish RJ’s trade value in every way possible? Are you talking to someone in the Yankee camp. Warning: Be careful what you claim here because the Yankees camp will blackball you if you misuse their namebrand to spread false information.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
A team with the Yankees resources could obtain the same performance, or better, simply by protecting their farm system. Not being impulsive by always signing the biggest name, giving up draft picks for free agents, or trading young talent for players past their prime. By always being compeditive, the Yanks had the lowest draft picks every year. Signing players that had been offered arbitration, meant that almost every team in MLB had 2 draft picks before the NYY made their first. Season after season of this takes its toll, couple that with the salary cap and trading away your best young players. Even the Yanks have to start being a LITTLE more restrained.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:40 pm
I like the sound of this trade. RJ is way past his prime, and declining every year.
Owings went 10-0 at AAA! Nippert didn’t fare well this year. 4.87 era in AAA, and gave up 13 er in 10 ML ip this year. These guys aren’t young either, 24 & 25. Our AAA rotation will be PACKED: Hughes, Clippard, White, Sanchez, Karstens/Rasner, Owings, Nippert, and I feel like I’m forgetting someone. Perhaps Cash is stockpiling to make another trade soon, or just in the case of injuries. Despite this, the move gives them more flexibility in terms of trades AND free agents.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
If Connor Jackson is included, this is one hell of a deal. I might just get drunk tonight if we can get that confirmed. Perhaps sending them Phelps or Phillips in return? Perhaps the Cuban player?
Fascinating.
December 30th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
If Connor Jackson is involved I will do friggen backflips down my street.
Right now I’m gunning for Jackson & Owings..though I’m doubting there’s a chance to get Jackson, let alone Owings.
I wonder who’s rumored to be involved in the trade…maybe Eric Duncan?
December 30th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
I agree with Travis G. You cant forget Chamberlain & Kennedy. Betances is very young, but his stuff is incredible, and could advance quickly. Chamberlain was fantastic in the 05 CWS, Kennedy is a polished, Mike Mussina type. All this new talent in the last couple of years, Id say Cashman did a great job!!!
December 30th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
If Connor Jackson is on the table then I find the proposal more reasonable and probable.
But again Dan…Is your source a Yankee official?
I’m not asking you to name the source but you can describe his affiliation. You’d still be protecting your sources identity.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
I don’t see any way that we get Owings and Jackson. Shoot, I don’t see any way that we could get Jackson for Randy straight up. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Jackson is going to be HUGE. And he’s very young. And cheap. No way that the DBacks give him up. That being said, if we DID get Jackson, I would also be doing friggen backflips down my street.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
I live on a hill…so my backflips would be tougher to do:P
December 30th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
Jackson, Nippert, & Owings for Unit, Duncan (or Phillips or Phelps), & $6 million.
That is better than any Padre offer.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
Conor Jackson? Miguel Montero? You guys either arent taking this seriously, or your seriously delusional. Yanks would be lucky to get Owings & Nippert as Dan has reported, let alone a 3rd. Even if the deal were to go through as currently reported, Josh Byrnes would lose a lot of credibility he has gained in his short time thus far in AZ.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:16 pm
If they give us Conner Jackson in this deal New Years Eve starts tonight in my house and Brian Cashman deserves someone to carry him in NYC, don’t even let his foot touch the pavement.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
I actually have to say that i think all these trades that the yankees are making. (sheff, unit, etc.) They have to be working on some trade that would send some of the prospects to a team for a big name pitcher. D-Train is who i think they mite be trying to get or maybe they are just saving money for Clemens.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
Is your source a Yankee official or D-Back official? I find that the Yanks getting Owings and Jackson back is hard to believe
December 30th, 2006 at 7:34 pm
I’m just waiting for an official word Dan where are you getting this info ? Owings and Nippart are a steal , adding a Jackson is GM suicide for the Dbacks
December 30th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
I never said for sure the Yanks were getting Jackson. That’s all in the comments here. In the update I posted it as a rumor I can’t confirm. Frankly I think that’s a big much for RJ pending another player going to AZ.
As far as my connection it’s a Yankees official, not a D-Backs one. It’s the same guy who gave me the Andy Pettitte story so I am inclined to believe every word he tells me.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Dan:
You are a stand-up guy for responding about your source. No more information needed in that department.
Please keep us informed. Rumor or otherwise.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
Conner? Zee Conner?
I got it: Zee Dbacks are getting Derrick Jetter along with zee Big Unit.
By Yankee official, you mean Don Zimmer?
I could buy Nippert and Owings for RJ is enough salary was paid by the Yankees. But Conner? Zee Conner?
Just fyi, his name is Conor. One “N”, no “E”.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:50 pm
I don’t think it would be too far fetched that the Yankees get Conor Jackson in a Randy Johnson deal. However, if this is the case they probably would have had to give up Melky or Eric Duncan, and I doubt they would be getting the pitching along with Jackson.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:51 pm
Levski - That’s why they are under rumors and I am not saying they are accurate. Also thanks for the correction on Conor.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
hey dan, when you say that you stand by what you originally posted, what exactly does that mean? That some deal is done, or that Owings and Nippert are for sure, and Jackson is rumored in addition? That would have to be a pretty good player the Yankees were sending back (i.e., not Phillips or Phelps, or even Melky).
December 30th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Oh, Eric Duncan? Geez, I bet the Dbacks can’t contain their excitement. THE Eric Duncan? I wonder if the Yankees are also sending D’Angelo Jimenez along…
December 30th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
oh alright.
suggestion- change it to “Yankees may be getting Conor Jackson” instead of “will be getting”
December 30th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Dan, I understand. Sorry for being a prick.
I think anyone with one iota with sanity would easily discard the Conor rumors. Unless the other player in the deal is Alex Fn Rodriguez…
December 30th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
YanksInMyBlood - Thank you, that comment was much appreciated. I’ll have whatever I hear up on this site every day from here on out. It’s why I was brought to this page.
People must understand something going forward. ESPN, MLB, YES, etc only announce things when they are 100% done and have 0% chance of reporting something that is not accurate. (Peter Gammons looked quite the fool when A-Rod didn’t go to the Red Sox.)
I do not and will not hold out. When I hear something, it goes up. Sometimes things fall through and it never reaches the National media, that’s just how it goes. Things change a lot all the time and that’s the risk I am willing to take.
I look at it from a fans standpoint. It’s fun to know the fodder because we can always read ESPN when a signing or trade happens. I would want to know the behind the scenes tidbits even if they seem insane or don’t pan out. So that is what I will give all the readers here on Off the Facade.
I do try to be as accurate as possible all the time and will not post anything until I triple check it. Sometimes things don’t work out and I look bad but more often than not things do work out.
December 30th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Just fwiw, I believe the deal is done as well. I can buy Owings and Nippert. You lost me at Conor.
But, we’ll see
December 30th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
I’ve heard 3 different rumors, and all of them suggested that the trade might already be done…
Randy Johnson for…
1) ,Dustin Nippert and Micah Owings (Yankees also send $6M to D-backs)
2) (and Eric Duncan + $10M) for Conor Jackson
3) Nippert, Owings, and a third pitcher (Yankees also send $10M to D-backs)
All three of these are steals for the Yanks, so I’m pretty sure there’s more to this, but…
December 30th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
JSL - I stand by my comment that this deal is done. There is no question in my mind this is done. The only thing that remains is what the Yankees get, how much $$ they pay and whether or not the Dbacks get this extension done.
Levski - No hard feelings man - none at all.
Joejo’s - If the rumors were “maybe they’ll get Jackson” I’d put that. But think about it, MAYBE they’ll get Jackson and Tracy too. The rumors are “they will get Jackson” so that’s what I posted.
The longer this goes on I am thinking (and this is my personal opinion, not a fact) Johnson and Proctor or Duncan to AZ for Jackson and 2 prospects with the Yankees paying 6-8 million of Units contract.
We all have to keep in mind that AZ wanted Unit and approached the Yankees, not the other way around. There is obviously a reason they want them so Cashman will obviously be going hard for whatever he possibly can. So getting Jackson is not as far-fetched as some believe it is.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:01 pm
Dan,
Thank you for clarifying your source. It definitely lends credibility to your article now that I know the speculation is based on leaks coming from the Yankee camp.
To further clarify…you did mention Conor Jackson but you can’t confirm his name through the Yankees official, correct? What that means is that the Yankees camp is concealing the name of the central piece of this trade. It could be a first baseman named Conor Jackson. It could be a first baseman named Chad Tracy.
The final package is very much up in the air and the players added most definitely impact trades in the immediate future…thus the silence.
Congrats on your source though. You’re one step closer then the rest of us.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:01 pm
1.) This is all about money. Especially to the D-Backs
2.) Masses of people are not coming to the stadium to see Jackson, Nippert, or Owings. R.J. puts butts in the seats.
3.) This is all about money.
4.) Johnson is still much better than most of the pitchers that were handed huge contracts this offseason. That kind of talent is just not available now.
5.) THIS IS ALL ABOUT MONEY!
6.) Prospects are prospects because they have not yet accomplished anything on the pro level.
7.) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
8.) Randy wants to win 300 at home= big headlines.
9.) Big headlines = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
December 30th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
AJ - We are clearly on the same wave-length. The first rumor is the one I hear is most accurate however there are rumblings about the second one now as well.
As I was told “IF the Yankees send a second player, which they may, it will be someone cheap and in return they will get a player to solve a major need of theirs.” (This was not from the same Yankee source I mentioned previously and again, appears to be all hearsay.)
December 30th, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Technically, Dan, Cashman approached AZ when RJ told him that he’d like to move closer to his home in AZ. Anyways…
Yankee fans have the right to be excited. You have a nice blog here so I’m not going to be messing your your happiness…
Have fun
December 30th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Master - You are 100% on that. That did cross my mind and I passed that along to one of my friends who also has a friend within the Yankees. He shot me down the second I mentioned it but I still believe Tracy is very likely - far more likely than Jackson.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
Dan, thanks for the clarification, and for posting this stuff. It’s always fun to get a glimpse at the backroom dealings. Should be an interesting next couple of days, but it seems like they all are in the baseball off-season.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
I’ll be back guys. It’s Giants time and I have to cover the game for AOL. I shall return.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
hopefully BIG BLUE wakes up and doesn’t screw my NEW YEARS ..
December 30th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
Any chance that first baseman is Tony Clark or Chris Carter the 1st baseman for AAA Tuscon. Carter can hit.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
By the way, I wouldn’t celebrate yet for the simple reason that RJ, according to several sources, “isn’t convinced he’ll pitch past 2007 and has little interest in signing an extension” — and that doesn’t surprise me given what he could get as a free agent in 2007.
even though Conor Jackson is the most rumored of the bunch, I think Chad Tracy is a more likely acquistion for the Yanks, simply because the D-backs value Jackson much more than Tracy. Still, getting Tracy plus pitching prospect(s) would be a BIG steal — the IRS might have to audit it, that’s how uneven this deal could be…!
December 30th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
Hey, I wouldn’t mind Tracy. I like the guy and he’s still pretty young. However, the reason I want Jackson is because the guy’s going to be tons better.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Short new article from NY Times…(an exeprp)
The official, who was granted anonymity because he is not authorized to discuss trades, said the Diamondbacks appeared willing to offer only minor leaguers.
Does not sound like we’ll get Jackson or Tracy.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
The Yankee official haven’t named names. This hasn’t changed.
Tracy’s very much in play here.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Teams are almost never willing to disclose the centerpiece of a completed, but unannounced trade, so both Tracy and Jackson are still possibilities.
However, it’s likely we’re getting minor leaguers (2-3)in return … if Johnson does sign an extension.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
The Dbacks already have a surplus of IFs, so no need for Eric Duncan.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
whomever says the dbacks have nothing to gain financially for making this trade is ignorant or ill informed. they are scheduled to make deferred payments on the millions due to RJ for years to come. i think the rate is 8% interest. I heard they will seek to shorten the repayment term thus saving the interest they are due to pay.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
One other potential snag: the physical…
Johnson had back surgery and him passing the physical is far from a guarantee…unless of course the doctors get scared of the possibility of him getting ticked off and throwing fastballs at them and give RJ a passing grade just to get him outta there…
December 30th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
AJ
There’s no way we trade a #2-#3 starter (in NL terms) with major revenue generating value for prospects only. We’re getting a major leaguer in the deal and a useful one at that. It’s either Tracy or Jackson. I agree with Dan. It’s most likely Tracy, a third baseman…
If that happens…rumors will fly.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Tracy can play 1st as well, but I’m not certain we’re getting an ML’er here — unless it’s a lower-quality guy like Tony Clark, etc…
Josh Byrnes isn’t stupid enough to trade a promising young player away for a 43-year-old who could break-down, or completely tank at super-pitcher-friendly Chase Field — unless of course the Yanks are throwing something extra in…which has me kinda nervous, actually…
But i see your point Master…if Tracy is acquired, the AROD rumors will be out of control…
December 30th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Tracy is actually like Aubrey Huff … 1st, 3rd, OF (though his worst position is OF from what I’ve seen). He’s versatile, but if we got him he’d be our 1B.
I wouldn’t mind Tracy, still hoping for Jackson though. However, I’ll still take Tracy and say Owings..
December 30th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Correction: super-hitter-friendly Chase Field*
December 30th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
It was mentioned earlier on XM that the trade would probably be Johnson, Cabrera, Nieves and Beam for Medders, Owings, Nippert, Montero and Jackson with 10-12 mil going to Arizona. However it was not confirmed.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:40 pm
AJ,
Sure Tracy can play first and has played first and Cashman will point to those games and his favorable fielding % at 1b. It’s all very convenient and tempers the rampant speculation that will surely follow.
I just find it hard to believe that the Diamonbacks, with such a deep farm, won’t sell off one of their players for a franchise hero and a revenue generating force.
They basically need Johnson to restore their brandname. Tracy will be forgotten. And who knows, if the Yankees send Duncan in the deal, maybe he turns into something at 3b and the deal looks fantastic down the road. Johnson chases the historic 300 win mark in Arizona. The media follows the team and gives them national attention. The fans return to the seats. The TV revenue, ticket sales and merchandise profits climb and pull the Diamondbacks out of substantial debt. Johnson wins his 300 game. Johnson goes to the HOF remembered as a Diamonback. The legacy lends legitimacy to the franchise.
And maybe Eric Duncan’s production matches Chad Tracy’s as it turns out.
Chad Tracy’s a fine player but he’s no all-star and he’s certainly not untouchable, despite what some reports might say.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
i just heard the trade is now final
yanks get:
conor jackson
micah owings
dennis nipper
brandon medders
dbacks get
randy johnson
humberto sanchez
eric duncan
December 30th, 2006 at 9:52 pm
According to Dan Benton and his sources of Mvn - Conner Jackson will coming to New York. Yankees will pay have eat remaining $6 million left on RJ’s salary. The third Yankees will be sending a second player over to arizona. Hey Peter, are you hearing anything right now?
December 30th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
ok no i did not hear that, i make a mistake sorry, no trade mention yet
December 30th, 2006 at 9:56 pm
I also heard the Yankees have signed Karim Garcia and will include him in the trade.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
my sources on nyynews confirm the karim garcia rumor
December 30th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
rumor of the Yankees bringing back david boomer wells back to ny to replace randy johnson in the rotation.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
i am coming out of retirement this year and will lead the yankees back to the world series. i am in much better shape than i was 10 years ago
December 30th, 2006 at 10:01 pm
There is no confirmation if Conner Jackson’s second cousin Chris Tracey was going to be involved with the deal.
I am hearing though that the Yankees have indeed signed Karim Garcia and now are beginning discussions with Edwin Diaz for a one year contract, with plans to include him in the deal as well.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:04 pm
Hey, do believe the rumors, New York will be trading me in this deal and eating a substantial portion of my contract.
I really wish things would have worked out, but in the end, I look forward to being a part of the growth of the Arizona Diamondbacks as one of the elite teams in the National League.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:05 pm
My source says that Dale Berra and Bobby Meacham are signing with the Yankees as backup IF and 1B. Bobby was going to sign first, but Dale passed him by in order to get to the signing ahead of him.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Me and Daryl will be making a comeback in ‘07 in pin stripes. but not of the prison variety. we both plan on making the yankees opening day roster next season. we both have worked out a lot and are in much better shape and now sober. also, sammy sosa has been thinking of coming back as a non roster invitee
December 30th, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Hey Yo Doc, you gonna let me borrow some of that fine shitttttt we used to smoke in Tampa dogg????
December 30th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
latest rumor:
Yanks get
Derrick Nippert
Jon Owings
Tony Clark
Tanya Harding
Dbacks get
Big Johnson
Small Wang
Blue Lips A-Fraud
$125m cold cash
December 30th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
Shawn, I heard the same. My sources on NYYNEWS have confirmed it, however I just heard Steinbrenner has demoted Meacham to AA.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
Continue with these jokes, they’re so funny*
*sarcasm
December 30th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
The bottom line is this… nothing will be finalized (or released) by either organization until Tuesday at the earliest. The commissioners office is closed until then. We can sit around and speculate until we are red in the face but it’s not going to clear up this cloudy situation.
We can at least guarantee that Cashman will not give up Randy without getting what he wants in return. If Arizona expects him to include Proctor or (insert random name) to get what he wants, they are sadly mistaken. We can go into this season with RJ in the rotation and wait until the trading deadline to unload him on someone.
Arizona needs Randy more than we do.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
Whats funny is you bitches thinking your getting Conor Jackson..
December 30th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
What’s funny is that you think we’re not. Ask the Tigers about dealing with “Cash” man. I’m sure they didn’t want to give up Sanchez for a Yankee castaway.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
Yeah.. And Josh Byrnes isn’t Dave Dombrowski.
Keep living in your land of delusion though. Enjoy Tony Clark, because that’s who you’ll get back.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
Dave Dombrowski seems to have done pretty well for himself. The Tigers were in the Series last season. And Dombrowski was the architect of that team. What has Byrnes done to prove he is a better gm than Dombrowski.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:25 pm
You’re right, he isn’t… too bad for Josh!
December 30th, 2006 at 10:32 pm
DS, can you shut up? Tony Clark? Yeah, not happening.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
Calm down guys, I have decided I will only approve a trade to Boston reuniting me with my former teamate Curt Schilling.
December 30th, 2006 at 10:58 pm
I believe the only way a trade can be really worked out that would benefit both the Yankees and Dbacks is if a 3rd team got involved.
The Marlins have Jason Stokes who could immediately become the Yankees every day 1B. If not, then the Angels could include Casey Kotchman who has a lot of upside as well. This is something for you Yankee fans to ponder. No way would you guys be acquiring CoJack. Especially since the Dbacks have been offered better/younger players before and have rejected. And none of your prospects (fulfilling any of the Dbacks needs) equate to CoJack’s value to the Dbacks either.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:03 pm
I can’t wait til these clowns goofing around with the name changes get banned from MVN.
I’m still keeping hope that Jackson or Tracy are included.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
Chad Tracy is AZ’s only viable ML ready 3B right now, so I don’t see him being traded or moved 1B to cover for Conor Jackson.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Dbacks wont give-up Tracy for RJ or any of the Yankee prospects. The Dbacks are only willing to offer Tracy for a younger pitcher w/immense upside, such as Jon Saunders of the Angels, however, the Angels declined to part w/Saunders since he’s one of their untouchables.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
I really can’t see that Joe Saunders is an untouchable. Also, he doesn’t have “immense upside”, he looks like a future #4 starter.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
My God 110 replies! Dan, you got people bubblin’ with this one! LOL The only thing I can say about this trade is I would rather have Ohlendorf instead of Nippert. Owings and Nippert would both be in AAA and we now have a whole lot of AAA pitchers. Ohlendorf would be AA or so and puts up nice numbers. Why not get a young guy to bring up threw the system instead of clogging it? Also, taking a lesser prospect would either get us another prospect or get us a veteran included. Otherwise I’m cool with this trade.
I must say though that I was really hoping we would get Linebrink from the Padres. Although, who’s to say we couldnt get him in a trade for some of our lesser prospects.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:17 pm
I disagree, however, who would you consider a worthy enough prospect that the Yankees would be willing to give-up to lure either CoJack or Tracy away?
December 30th, 2006 at 11:23 pm
According to Nyynews.com and Nbc Sports
UPDATE: BREAKING NEWS! I have just been told that the Yankees and Diamondbacks have reached an agreement. Apparently the Yankees will eat around 2 - 4 million of Randy’s contract and will receive Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings, and a third player that could be Luis Vizcaino.
* Once again I will say Brian Cashman is a tremendous GM. Another great move by B-Cash. If some of you are upset regarding this deal all I got to say is……………………..actually have nothing to say. When the deal is announced and I know for sure who the players coming to New York are check in for a break-down of the trade. Also, Dont think the Yankees off-season is done, just a heads up!
December 30th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
Where is it say final on NBC Sports? Plus, how repuable is that other link you posted?
December 30th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
Please I can’t post a link here, and other link is somewhat credible.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:30 pm
If we got Vizcaino as a ‘throw in’ thats great! Owings and Nippert can go to AAA and Vizcaino can go to the pen or in a deal to get a different pen hand.
Any word on the Gonzo trade????
December 30th, 2006 at 11:34 pm
I don’t think the Yanks will get Jackson or Tracy (although Jackson fits the type of player Cash would go after) unless the Dbacks will switch Quentin to 1st. But let’s look at the Yanks needs… lefty middle reliever… first baseman (at the major league level)…. prospects for trading at mid season. Assuming Tracy and Jackson are not available, the only thing the Yanks would want are prospects, especially pitchers close to the majors because they are in greater demand than position (in general). Owings and Nippert fit that description: both are close with high upsides. If I have to guess the third guy it would be Eveland. But if the Dbacks eat RJ’s entire contract, it could be a major headcase like Valverde.
Personally I think deal was pushed to see if San Diego and/or LA (LA has the pitchers and Loney at 1st) is willing to up their deals.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
I think it was pushed because CashMan has more moves to make and heard the Giants signing Zito and that put all of the other teams in the RJ race have more pressure to make it happen.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:02 am
That’s a great point gianthinker. The Burgers are always looking for starting pitching. This trade might set up the Gonzo trade.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:03 am
Manhattan United - After some reading I would love to pick up Dana Eveland. I would substitute him for Nippert.
Also, Jose Valverde can close! He would be great to get too. you’ve maid two great points there.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:15 am
I wouldn’t get too gung ho on Valverde. He got so iffy last year that the D-Backs sent him down for a few months. He’s got good heat but sometimes gets in a groove where that’s all he’ll throw and becomes very hittable.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:26 am
Yeah but that’s the point. If the Yanks don’t add a lot of cash to the deal, they will be willing to take a gamble on a headcase…. Valverde is a lot like Bruney a year ago. He closed, blew saves, and was dropped by the Dbacks. The Yanks might take him just to see if they can get him straightened out. The Dbacks have no faith in him so they wouldn’t really care if they lost him. Both sides would love to make that swap.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:29 am
[URL=http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/scripts/mediaplayer/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=510073&w=2006/open/tp/archive08/080506_houari_nippert_6k_reel_tp_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2006/08/05/houmlb-arimlb-1&mid=200608061595651&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp350&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&murl=]http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/scripts/medi…w&urlstr=&murl=[/URL]
Dustin Nippert - Strikeout 6 K’s against Astros.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:38 am
Word is the Yanks are probably going to make a move for another SP. The White Sox have moved two starters already but they have had Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez rumored in trades all offseason. If we could get one of them cheap in a trade they could fill in nicely in our #4-5 slots. Just an idea. Any other starters around anyone know of that are available cheap?
Also, what do you guys think about moving Pavano for Linebrink and a prospect or two? I bet the Padre’s would take Pavano since they have such old starters right now. Anything we get for him would be a plus.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:40 am
I was really against the idea of trading Melky Cabrera. But looking at both their seasons last year…i’d put melky in this deal if it means getting conor jackson.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:55 am
The Sox aren’t moving anymore starters. They were looking to move one of their starters before they traded Garcia and later McCarthy(surprised that they moved him).
December 31st, 2006 at 1:02 am
P.S. NYYNEWS isn’t a credible site , they reported the Yankees won D-Matz , so this deal has no credibilty.. Dan keep updating us …
December 31st, 2006 at 1:06 am
Rey - NNYNews actually isn’t that bad. They do have some good sources. There were tons of rumors that the Yanks did win that bid and they went out on a limb and reported it.
The same applies there as it does here, they just wing it. When they hear something, they post it. They actually are right 85-90% of the time.
To all Yanks fans hoping for Jackson, it doesn’t look like he’s coming in this trade.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:07 am
Rey - If that came off “arrogant” I did not mean for it too; not at all. I just know what those guys go through over there and 99% of what they hear, I hear as well. I just tend to hesitate a little more than they do. They just post it while I check around a bit.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:10 am
Dan, if no jackson (i’m very disappointed), then who is most likely incoming and outgoing?
December 31st, 2006 at 1:12 am
It’s cool I’m just hoping we get a position player back like a RH 1B who can defend, but I doubt cash would go only 3 pitchers and pick up part of that contract to boot … Hey my GIANTS won and I just want this deal to be final already because tomorrow I forget about internet rumors it’s NYE and ball dropping in NY , then it’s party time :c D
December 31st, 2006 at 1:13 am
No (Dan) you didn’t come off arrogant … jesus Cash hurry up !!!
December 31st, 2006 at 1:18 am
I held out hope for Jackson but it just wasn’t realistic. With all the money AZ is taking and the other 2 players they’d be giving up it would take a Proctor and/or Melky to pry him away. Since the Yanks seem hesitant to give either yp a Duncan just isn’t going to do the job.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:21 am
I’d give up Duncan and Proctor right now, Duncan always has that back problem and Proctors arm + Joe Torre = early retirement or (see Tanyon Sturtze)
December 31st, 2006 at 1:22 am
Not trying to come off the wrong way, just wanting clarification… but when you say you “held out hope for Jackson” does that mean you maybe exagerated the strength of that “rumor” with its inclusion in the article? Secondly, what are the primary differences between what you report as a sure thing (as sure as it could be) and a rumor? You seem to distinguish between the two.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:26 am
I don’t know about a trade for a starting pitcher, but I can see them signing Pineiro after they trade RJ. Yanks love players that did well against them the year before.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:34 am
Coop981,
I think by sure thing he means that the deal is done, however the rumor was on who the yankees were getting back and what they were giving up. So basically we know RJ is going to Arizona, but have no idea for what. Am I right Dan?
December 31st, 2006 at 1:34 am
I like this trade in general even without Jackson. But man I was hoping for Loney from the Dodgers. Loney platoon with a right hander Phillips (or Phelps) would have been ok inmy book.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:34 am
I, for one am thrilled! I have been proven right… I said at the time NY was trading for him, this was NOT the right move! I’m glad Johnson’s leaving. Welcome home, Andy!
December 31st, 2006 at 1:41 am
Coop981 - The rumor was as strong as anyone wanted to make it. Like I said throughout this entire thing I never expected Jackson nor was I told Jackson was coming. I simply said that was an internet rumors and posted it here as such.
Part of the run of the Hot Stove is hearing rumors. I saw it so I figured I’d pass it along to the readers.
The only thing I was just of and stood by was everything above “rumors.” When I say something is a “rumor” on this site, it’s something I pulled from somewhere else on the net that I can not personally confirm. Anything that I hear from my sources mouth I classify as fact.
(see a couple dozen comments above, I explained this a whole lot better - it’s been a long night between this, the Giants and UFC.)
Also to everyone, keep in mind the Commish offices aren’t open until Tuesday so while we should all hear about it “officially” before then, it will not be “officially announced” until at least Tuesday.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:46 am
Matt,
Thanks for the response, but I may not have been clear enough in my question. What I was intending to ask was: what is the difference between the info he is reporting as a done deal, ie the inclusion of Nippert & Owings, as opposed to the 3 “rumors” he lists. If there is no difference, and what you say is true (”basically we know RJ is going to AZ, but have no idea for what.”) then the Nippert & Owings portion has no more validity than the Jackson rumor.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:48 am
Dan,
Thanks for the response/clarification.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:58 am
No worries, hope I was clear. I am dozing out, been up for about 48 hours now…
And guys, have faith in NYYNews :)
December 31st, 2006 at 1:58 am
Get out of here Gimpy! We never liked you anyway Sasquatch.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:02 am
I’d probably say Wednesday or Thursday since they have to okay it…
December 31st, 2006 at 2:04 am
Dan- You hear about any other moves for a starter?
—How about those GMEN!?!
December 31st, 2006 at 2:05 am
I heard Alex and Randy have gay sex with each other after games. That’s why they both struggled this season. Their butts were hurting from the night before.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:08 am
LOL
December 31st, 2006 at 2:09 am
I dont think I’ve ever heard a gay joke about the Yankees I’ve liked before. LOL
December 31st, 2006 at 2:14 am
Okay seriously guys. Update me. What is the latest most feasible trade scenario/rumor?
December 31st, 2006 at 2:25 am
As for now, according to nyynews.com -
“Yankees will eat around 2 - 4 million of Randy’s contract and will receive Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings, and a third player that could be Luis Vizcaino.”
December 31st, 2006 at 2:27 am
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_heyman/12/31/yankees.johnson/index.html
Heyman sheds some light on some things, although it appears he is a little behind. But he mentions at the end that Johnson is on vacation which may be another reason for the delays.
If the deals done then I think they have a group of players already set, they just need the money with Johnson figured out.
I think the big part of this for Arizona is working out something with Johnson on the $40 million deferred. A NY times article brought up how important it has been to Byrnes and Moorad to start clearing that money away.
December 31st, 2006 at 2:35 am
Dan/Joe/Jason/Whoever: Anyway we could still move Pavano to the Padres for something similair to Scott Linebrink and Kevin Kouzmanoff?
December 31st, 2006 at 2:53 am
hey, sorry for posting until now, but i have to read all the post and i don´t understand which gonzo you were mentioning in a trade.
December 31st, 2006 at 3:02 am
Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates. Basically a two-way or a three-way deal where we give up Melky and get Gonzo and maybe, maybe even another lower grade prospect. Usually the braves are involved in the rumor.
December 31st, 2006 at 3:04 am
The Bosox are fighting to get him too. I hope we can do it because theres just really no room for Melky even though I love him and Gonzalez is a lights out lefty releiver. Very much worth Melky.
December 31st, 2006 at 3:22 am
Problem is I can’t see the Pirates dealing Gonzo for Melky if they can get Crisp or Wily Mo Pena from the Red Sox…unless the Yanks sweeten the deal somehow…
But back to the trade with Arizona, I’ve heard that it breaks-down like this…
Yanks get: Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings, Brandon Medders
D-backs get: RJ, $6M, low- or mid-level pitching prospect
December 31st, 2006 at 3:24 am
Nah, I don’t that we’ll give up that much. I can’t see us including 6M and a pitching prospect.
December 31st, 2006 at 3:42 am
Am I the only one who thinks that this deal is done but still won’t happen. I.E. Johnson flunks the physical or vetoes it or something else goes wrong…
It’s a steal for the Yanks if it happens and I really hope it does, but these deals never work out the way I think they will — which has me quite worried, by the way.
December 31st, 2006 at 4:18 am
Any updates…i will check in the morning
December 31st, 2006 at 4:20 am
well, nothing drastic has to happen to derail this deal. the only thing that has to happen is RJ doesnt agree to re-do his deal in the 72 hour period. still, it seems like AZ wants him so bad and that he wants out of NY so bad that even if it breaks down it will be done down the road.
December 31st, 2006 at 4:35 am
AJ - You’d rather take Crisp or Wily Mo Pena over Melky? What are you on? Crisp is a waste of time. Wily Mo has an upside but hes pretty much leveled off. Melky’s upside is higher than either one of them and he is a much better fielder. Melky is also cheaper and stuck on a long term deal. He is also much younger. Melky is a no brainer better deal.
Besides, in the three way deal the Pirates get Laroche and the Braves get Melky and a prospect or two from the Pirates and the Yankees get Gonzalez.
December 31st, 2006 at 5:43 am
Hey you guys think James Brent Cox will be in the pen this year?
December 31st, 2006 at 7:47 am
Cox may be in the pen if we have some injuries early on, but I dont think theyll rush him. A Sept. call up would probably be good.
December 31st, 2006 at 8:30 am
Jon Heyman over at SI is reporting that Jackson will not be included in any deal right now, so it sounds like Arizona wont be sending him to NY. Too bad, that kid sounds like he’ll be a great talent very soon.
December 31st, 2006 at 8:46 am
As a D-Back fan I’m hoping this deal dies. It seems like an awful lot to give up in talent & cash for a player this risky. We only have about 45-50MM in our budget for total salary and if RJ fails he’d be doing so with about 1/3 of our budget for the next 2 years.
December 31st, 2006 at 9:48 am
One other thing, in AZ big names don’t necessarily increase ticket sales. AZ fans are fickle and only go to see contenders, unless their “team” is in town .
For instance we’d draw a smaller crowd for RJ vs Willis than we would for a Mets game with 2 #5’s pitching.
December 31st, 2006 at 10:09 am
I agree with all Arizona fans that dont want this deal to happen. It’s beyond me why you’d want to pay anything for Johnson especially because he’s old, injured and a free agent in 1 yr. To give up 2-3 prospects with a big potential upside is silly. But as a Yankee fan, I’m loving this deal if it happens!
December 31st, 2006 at 10:14 am
Media starting to catch on - finally someone going out on a limb with me!
http://www.bergenrecord.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMDYmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcwNDkzODUmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2
December 31st, 2006 at 10:38 am
I’m surprised the Yankees weren’t more interested in Cruz. He was a pretty good pitcher when he was healthy and can work out of the pen. He’d be a nice stop-gap if Clemens starts late or if one of the others in the rotation were injured.
December 31st, 2006 at 10:53 am
Dan, any word on when RJ will get to give his stamp of approval on this deal? Im guessing that time is somewhat of the essence here if all the pieces except RJ’s signature are in place.
December 31st, 2006 at 11:18 am
I don’t know if you trust the NY Daily News, but…
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16356115.htm
It says the deal is not done and that talks might have stalled. It also says the Padres aren’t out of the running, which would indicate once again the deal isn’t done … at least not yet.
(the date is 12/31, and the article was last updated 8hrs ago, so at 3AM)
December 31st, 2006 at 11:50 am
AJ - I learned that for whatever reason the Post and Daily News tend to lag a day or so.
While the Yanks and D-Backs did agree, RJ is being a pain in the you know what over about $4 million. He has not yet waived his no trade clause and from what I am told Cashman is using the Padres as a “scare tactic” to move this forward faster.
The Yanks have done everything they can to get this done, as have the D-Backs. Now it’s all on Unit. Does he want the extra cash or does he want to play at home? He’s trying to have both. I still say this will be “official” by Tuesday.
Nothing more the Yanks can do at this point and all the D-Backs could do is offer him more. (I believe they offered him $12 million for one-year extension and he wants more.
December 31st, 2006 at 11:51 am
DMAC - You’re dead on. Everything is done but the RJ sig. It will happen by Tuesday.
December 31st, 2006 at 11:56 am
More than 12 million for 08? Let him stay in NY.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:25 pm
Dan, great job here.
we’re all looking for info beyond the awful journalism from NY tabloids and standard websites which you certainly provide while being insightful and reasonable in what you post.
this is good stuff. thanks.
What have you heard about how the yanks will address life after posada? I was very suprised that Toby Hall chose a back up in Chicago over NY but aside from him there arent many seasoned player options to fill the gap.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Dan - That confuses me. How can CashMan use the Padres to hurry things up when its not the DBacks holding it up its RJ? Even if he got a monster deal on the table from the Padres RJ would still have to approve it….are the Padres going to give him more money in the extension?
December 31st, 2006 at 12:33 pm
C25 - Thank you for those kudos, I really appreciate that.
As far as live after Posada it looks like the Yanks are going to go with Wil Nieves - at least for the time being. That could all change with the free agent market the way it is today but for now he the “it man.”
Toby Hall amazes me. He had a direct route right to NY and he declined flat out and said “I will not play in NY.” Well, good luck to him and the losing teams he plays for.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Giantthinker - He can’t put pressure on RJ with the Padres but he can use the Padres to scare the D-Backs into giving RJ what he wants. I guess you could consider that “dirty business” but then again, business is business.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Just so everyone knows I will be MIA until later this afternoon. I am backing up NFL Fanhouse on the Jets game (possibly doing stats) and then I am covering the Arizona Cardinals game. I will check in when I can but if you do not get a reply ASAP do not think I am ignoring you.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:53 pm
I’m all for RJ and his bad back heading west. The task for the Yanks is to find a pitcher/or pitchers capable of winning the 15 games RJ would probably win if healthy. (Big if …Pavano, Proctor) Until Cash finishes his master plan, (and I do believe there is a master plan)
I was hoping CoJack was part of the master plan….
I will continue to read the blogs, and enjoy the hot stove!!
Love the comments.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:12 pm
I think it comes down to how badly the Yankees want Clemens and what they think their chances are.
December 31st, 2006 at 1:47 pm
As long as we don’t have to rape the farm system to achieve the goal of adding a #4. With Clemens a free agent, our current farm stays intact. Money never really seems to be an object. We do need a first baseman though!! Do we really want Minky?
December 31st, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Jeez Cash add Sanchez or something to get Co Jack
December 31st, 2006 at 4:23 pm
You’re not getting Co Jack.. Get that shit through your thick fuc