BIG UNIT RETURNS TO ARIZONA
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired pitcher Randy Johnson and cash ($2 million) from the New York Yankees for pitchers Luis Vizcaino, Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson, and infielder Alberto Gonzalez.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
A man with five Cys on his shelf joins the reigning NL Cy Young winner in Brandon Webb for what looks to be a pretty sharp, veteran rotation. The Big Unit definitely had a down year in the Bronx in 2006 and the D'backs appear to be banking on his having a lot left in his tank at age 43. And we mean "banking" quite literally. Although they're getting $2 million from the Yanks, Arizona signed Johnson to a contract extension that pays him another $10 million in 2008, plus a $12-million bonus. Granted, that's peanuts compared to the contracts garnered by much lesser pitchers this winter, and if the Unit can recapture some of his old magic it'll be a steal. And with Webb having come into his own, Johnson won't necessarily be counted upon to lead the rotation.
What does it give the New York Yankees
Having deepened their rotation with lefties Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa this off-season, the Yanks found themselves with the luxury of a surplus in the rotation, particularly among southpaws. And when the D'backs came knocking to bring back the Big Unit, they were able to get some real quality in return. Vizcaino adds some much-needed veteran help to the top of the bullpen, where he'll join Kyle Farnsworth in a setup role. He represents a strong, consistent right arm. Ohlendorf, a big righty, stepped into a new realm of prospect status with a good season at Double-A Tennessee in 2006. He's a hard-throwing, aggressive kid on the mound who could join the Yanks in a couple of years, but seems more likely to be used as a trading chip if they need anything at the deadline. Jackson also came into his own last season at Tennessee after a disappointing 2005. Another big righty, his future is similar to that of Ohlendorf. Finally, Gonzalez is a young shortstop with a good contact bat but no great offensive tools. He may have a future as a utility man if he cracks the bigs in a year or two.
Fantasy impact
