Johnson Out, Zito In?

by Jaime R on Dec 26, 2006 10:44 PM EST in New York Yankees News

Although one should take anything MSNBC's Mike Celizic says with a grain of salt, his latest column actually makes some sense. If Randy Johnson were to be traded to Arizona, that would free up a large chunk of money ($16 Million a year) to sign, say, Barry Zito.

That amount of money just happens to be the annual salary Zito, the premier free agent on the market, wants for each of the next six years. Until now, New York has shown no interest in pursuing Zito, which is astounding, given that the Yankees have never before backed off a big name because of money.

It could also be used to free up cash for Rocket's return. Whatever Cashman does here, proves to Celizic that he actually has a game plan. The Yanks are getting younger and cheaper. I do agree, the moves the Bombers are making this year are part of what I call Cashman's perpetual motion machine; keeping the Yankees in the hunt year after year by mixing in big time stars and homegrown talent.

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Johnson

I am not a big fan of the Big Unit but in the National League who should have more success. The Yankees should get younger but I am not quite sure 17 mil for Zito is the answer. Clemens for one year seems like a wiser decision.

by BillyBobisdrunk on Dec 27, 2006 12:03 AM EST reply actions

RE:

You say it'd free up $16 million a year if Johnson was traded to the Diamondbacks, but how much salary would the Yanks have to eat? A ton because the D-Backs don't have the wallet to support $16 million a year for one player.

If Zito were to play in the Bronx in 2007, prepare to watch him crack like other young pitchers before him. I really don't think he could handle the pressure. Right now he's just a 'surfer dude' in California. If he were a Yankee, he'd be in the spotlight 24/7 and I'm not sure he'd like that.

Over The Monster :: A Boston Red Sox Blog
A member of the SB Nation family.

by RBooth @ Pinstripe Alley on Dec 27, 2006 1:01 AM EST reply actions

I think Zito could handle it

He seems like the kind of guy who'd relish any sort of attention given, but at the same time, give off the aura of not giving much of a damn.

That being said, I wouldn't sign him because he's been fairly inconsistent since his Cy Young season 4 years ago. Just add Pettitte's contract while taking Johnson's off the books, keep Pavano for now, and go into spring with a rotation of Wang, Mussina, Pettitte, Pavano, and Igawa. It can't be much worse than what we had last year.

by PsiFighter37 on Dec 27, 2006 2:35 AM EST up reply actions

Actually,

Zito has been fairly consistent for the last 4 years. He has been consistent being near 500 with an ERA near 4. This year was the exception, free agent year, what a surprise. They should stay away from Zito with a 10 foot pole.

Great Success!

by ReLaunch on Dec 27, 2006 8:01 AM EST up reply actions

ReLaunch, I think this can't be just thrown out...

Let's take a more reasoned look at Zito after the incredible 2002 season...

03' 231.2-IP, 3.30ERA
04' 213-IP, 4.48ERA
05' 228.1-IP, 3.86ERA
06' 221-IP, 3.83ERA

This guy's ERA is consistently UNDER 4.00, not over. In fact, in 7 seasons, his ERA was over 4.00 once! How many lefties in the AL can say that? Tell me again why we wouldn't be willing to give a 5 year deal to a lefty who has clearly proven he can pitch?!?!

Is he going to be Whitey Ford? Of course not, but he doesn't have to be. He needs to be better than RJ.

And one more thing, if he buckles under the pressure of NY, teams will line-up to trade for him.

by dbm20th on Dec 27, 2006 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

That may be true

On that note, enjoy JD Drew! Tee hee.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 27, 2006 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

RBooth

Go back to Over The Monster and talk about subjects that concern you. Such as what the Sox need to do to make the playoffs and not finish in 3rd place again.

by Yanks22 on Dec 27, 2006 2:57 AM EST reply actions

Nothing wrong with a Red Sox fan.....

commenting on this website.

I happen to agree with him on his RJ point. The Yanks will likely have to eat a good portion of his contract to move him. No way are the D-backs going to pay that entire $16 million.

I disagree, however, with his point about Zito. I believe he has the makeup to play in NY, but he had the benefit of pitching in a division where 3 of the 4 teams played in pitcher's yards and only Texas had a potent offense.

That won't be the case in the AL East where a few of the most potent offenses in MLB reside (NY, Toronto and Boston) and two other launching pads for ballparks (Camden Yards and Tropicana Field).

I just don't think he would be a wise signing for the Yanks because he is already on the decline at just 29 years old and 5+ years is way too long of a comittment at his asking price.

by anaconda on Dec 27, 2006 3:28 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Anyone is welcome so long as we don't have to scroll through another extended flame war.
And Zito's ERA and WHIP against the AL East teams back up what 'conda is saying about Zito not being cut out for the division.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Dec 27, 2006 8:25 AM EST up reply actions

Oh Relax

You dont have to stick up for the poor guy. I'm just breaking balls. Yes Yes all welcome even if your from the Homo Nation.

by Yanks22 on Dec 27, 2006 2:05 PM EST reply actions

I like the looks of this deal!

Why not throw in Pavano? The Diamondbacks are desperate for starting pitchers, and the Yanks are desperate to get rid of these dopes. I say if the boys only get a radar gun and a bag of balls back in return that Cashman has done his job!

To Victory!

"Why do they call it the world series if they always play it in the Bronx?"

by rayrod on Dec 27, 2006 3:18 PM EST reply actions

If Arizona

would part with Connor Jackson and maybe Vizciano, then that would be a good deal.

Great Success!

by ReLaunch on Dec 27, 2006 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Pass the pipe

I want to smoke some of that shit that you are smoking. If Byrnes gives up Jackson for Johnson, the MLK Day hating people of Arizona should storm the BOB and burn it to the ground.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 27, 2006 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

Remember,

its the holidays. One can wish.

Great Success!

by ReLaunch on Dec 27, 2006 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

I just smoked from that pipe

Arizona ain't givin' up Connor Jackson.

Off the Facade
You say "sell-out," I say "opportunist."

by PinstripePowerhouse on Dec 27, 2006 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

If a deal happens

I think it will be with San Diego. Witch if you didnt know means a whales vagiana.

by Yanks22 on Dec 27, 2006 8:51 PM EST reply actions

I'm sorry, I was trying to impress you.

I don't know what it means. I'll be honest, I don't think anyone knows what it means anymore. Scholars maintain that the translation was lost hundreds of years ago.

Off the Facade
You say "sell-out," I say "opportunist."

by PinstripePowerhouse on Dec 27, 2006 9:27 PM EST reply actions

Trade Johnson

Get rid of the guy. Johnson has just been miserable. When a guy gets paid $16 million, you hope he can wina big game for you. Trade him for a hot dog vendor if you must.

by hodgeman on Dec 28, 2006 1:01 PM EST reply actions

Sounds sexy but bad idea

Dumping him for nothing would essentially mean the Yanks are punting on this season. Theo did it with Boston last year, then significantly upgraded his team this winter. Since next year's free agent crop is pretty bare too especially on the pitching front, I don't think that strategy will work as easily for Cashman.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Dec 28, 2006 1:58 PM EST up reply actions