Out With the Old, In With the New

Brian Cashman's mantra this offseason has been cutting costs and getting younger. If the tentative agreement between the Yankees and Diamondbacks holds up, he'll have accomplished both of those goals with his most recent transaction. Last night it was reported the Yankees have agreed to send Randy Johnson to the Diamondbacks in exchange for Luis Vizcaino and three minor league prospects. It is believed the Yankees will pay roughly $1.5-$2 million of Johnson's salary for next season. Yankee fans should be enamored with this deal for several reasons. Whether it's his back or his age, Johnson never quite fit in as a Yankee. While he did win 17 games in each of his two seasons, his ERA ballooned to new heights. On top of that, the supposed ace pitched to a sparkling 6.92 ERA with zero wins in his three pinstriped postseason appearances.

The two sides have until Sunday to iron out the deal. Arizona wants back the guy who won 4 Cy Youngs and lead to them to a World Championship. That's not who they're getting, but his name alone should put more butts in the seats. He could fit in nicely to their rotation with reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb and Livan Hernandez. For the Yankees, they freed up money which is likely earmarked for Roger Clemens. There had been speculation that the disdain between the Rocket and the Unit would get in the way of bringing Clemens to the Bronx. Now that Johnson is headed for the desert, many feel the only ace left on the market could return to 161st Street. They also get a couple of young pitchers, Russ Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, along with middle relief help (Vizcaino) and a 23 year old shortstop prospect. Even if the Yankees head in to the season as the roster is currently set, they have to feel pretty good. They've unloaded three older, overpaid players (Johnson, Sheffield, Jaret Wright) and started to restock their farm system. The rotation has question marks, but answers could come from stud pitching prospects Humberto Sanchez and Phillip Hughes. It would be nice if they could allow Hughes to mature for another year before throwing him in to the fire, but the young lefty is a nice insurance policy.

Lost in the Johnson madness yesterday was the signing of veteran 1B Doug Mientkiewicz. With Giambi slated for DH duties, the Yankees needed a sure handed first baseman. Mientkiewicz is about as nifty with the glove as they come and could benefit from being reunited with high school teammate Alex Rodriguez. The lefty, with limited offensive ability, could also benefit from the short porch in right. Although he's not young, his contract certainly didn't break the bank. With Andy Phillips second half slide, it was crucial for the Yankees to upgrade at first base. As spring training approaches, Yankee fans will just have to play the waiting game to see if Clemens will sign on to be the final piece of the puzzle.