Dec 28, 2006

Ca$h Money wants pitchers from Arizona

From the East Valley Tribune -

The New York Yankees are seeking a package of three young pitchers from the Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson, including at least one reliever, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.

The Yankees have expressed interest in right-handed setup man Brandon Medders, the source said, in addition to several of the five starting pitchers that the D-Backs consider candidates for the two available spots in their 2007 rotation – Edgar Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, Dustin Nippert, Ross Ohlendorf and Micah Owings. [Nippert and Owings being the best.]

The D-Backs, looking to retain as much young pitching as possible as they build for the future, have balked at the Yankees’ asking price, although it appears they would consider substituting veteran reliever Luis Vizcaino for Medders.

San Diego and San Francisco are also interested in Johnson, the source said.

If the Yankees trade Johnson, who would have to OK any deal since he has a no-trade clause, the D-Backs expect it to happen soon, to give New York an opportunity to make a run at free agent left-hander Barry Zito.

I would love the Yanks to get 3 young pitchers from Arizona. Cashman is doing some smart things this off-season. He realizes pitching wins more than hitting, and it's much easier to acquire hitters via trades or free agency than it is to acquire pitchers.

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