The Big Unit

by Roberbola on Nov 13, 2008 2:43 PM MST

Quoting from a Rosenthal article:

"Randy instructed us not to file for free agency until we made every effort to reach an agreement," Johnson's agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, said in a statement. "The Diamondbacks have a budget based on their club's financial situation and obviously viewed Randy's contract in that context. Randy considered every reasonable compromise including offering to take a 50% pay cut, all to remain a Diamondback. However, the economic situation did not lend itself to an agreement."

Johnson's two-year contract with the Diamondbacks averaged $13 million per season. His actual salary last season was $10 million.

The Diamondbacks' offer, then, did not exceed $5 million. It was believed to be in the $2 million to $3 million range.

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First of all, Josh Byrnes must have been terribly embarassed to be make a $2-3M offer to RJ. That is a sad state of affairs down in AZ.

What it means is that RJ was willing to take $5M top pitch for the D'backs. Why don't we lob him that contract? Last year we spent similar money on Kip Wells and Luis Vizcaino, right?

The guy has the upside of a D. Lowe or B. Sheets for 2009, but without the long contract baggage. And if his arm falls off we've still got lots of 5th starter candidates honing their craft in AAA.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry. But the above FanPost does not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or views of Purple Row's staff (unless, of course, it's written by the staff [and even then, it still might not]).

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Comments

I said the same thing the other day...

I don’t know what kind of premium we’d have to add to get him to come to Denver, but it could very well be worth it. He seems to fit our needs pretty well, and we should be able to find five wins for him.

by Rox Girl on Nov 13, 2008 3:02 PM MST reply actions

Agreed, but he won't come here for $5m

That was all about staying in Arizona. Now that that’s not possible, he’ll take the best contract at the team most likely to give him the most wins with the least hurdles. At this point, I’d almost figure he’d be a Yankee again, but perhaps equally likely, a Dodger (to stay in the NL in a pitcher friendly park).

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Nov 13, 2008 4:08 PM MST up reply actions

Not all bad news, though

With Kerry Wood not getting a Cubs offer, that puts another closer on the market, which I figure has to increase the chance of Fuentes accepting arbitration by a few percentage points….

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Nov 13, 2008 4:09 PM MST reply actions

The Dodgers

are also interested in Johnson.

Aut Vincam Aut Periam

by PioneerSkies on Nov 14, 2008 9:17 AM MST reply actions

Oh snap.

If the Dodgers are interested, they probably win. I really hope somebody slips through the cracks this winter.

by Rox Girl on Nov 14, 2008 9:23 AM MST up reply actions

coughBen Sheets*cough

Thought Clint Hurdle should be fired before it was cool.

by Redhawk on Nov 14, 2008 9:49 AM MST up reply actions

Josh Newman

Is free again =D

by Jester76 on Nov 14, 2008 8:35 PM MST reply actions

The Cubs

are also looking at the Big Unit.

Aut Vincam Aut Periam

by PioneerSkies on Nov 15, 2008 11:31 AM MST reply actions

The whole thing disgusts me.

$2-$3 million is ridiculous. However, I’d rather him end up with you guys than the Cubs or Dodgers, because I hate the idea of still rooting for him in one of those two jerseys. You guys are much more likable.

by Azreous on Nov 15, 2008 12:18 PM MST reply actions