Yankees may deal ?Big Unit?
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.