It seems Randy Johnson wants out.  Out of the American League, out of the Yankees and out of any chance to win another title.

Now, there seems to be some confusion on who made the first move, the Yanks or Johnson, but if both parties are interested then it must have been brewing for some time.  So far, the Diamondbacks, Padres and Giants seem to be the front-runners. 

I’m confused.  Why would a team want to take a chance on a 43-year-old pitcher coming off back surgery?  Add in the $16 million price tag for 2007 and it really makes no sense. 

Also, does Randy Johnson really want to leave New York this way?  It will prove the pressure of pitching for a perennial contender was too much for him.  This is the same guy responsible for almost single-handedly defeating the Yankees in the 1995 ALDS and the 2001 World Series.  Where’s the heart?

This potential trade could also be a mixed blessing for the Yankees.  Sure, it would wipe away some of his contract (I’m assuming that the Yanks will be responsible for something if they ship him out) and remove a black cloud in the clubhouse, but it also means that either they expect Carl Pavano to start earning his pay or they feel Kei Igawa is ready to enter the rotation.  The Yankees could also get involved in the Barry Zito sweepstakes or start their campaign to woo Roger Clemens back to the Bronx.

I would take Zito, but not for the figures that have been floating around.  I’d also take Clemens back, but he can no longer be counted on to pitch the whole year.  Add in a return to the American League and take away the special treatment he received in Houston and who knows what to expect from him.

I’ve always had a begrudging respect for Randy Johnson.  I didn’t like him, but I liked the competitive spirit he brought to the mound.  I guess that fire only burns when he’s pitching against the Yankees or pitching for small-market teams.

Too bad.

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