YANKS FINALLY LAND UNIT
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Randy Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitchers Javier Vazquez and Brad Halsey, catcher Dioner Navarro and cash ($9 million).
What does it give the New York Yankees
George Steinbrenner finally landed his coveted southpaw, even if it meant a $32-million, two-year extension. The Big Unit is still at the top of his Cy-Young game at age 41 and will front the Yankees' rotation, returning to the American League for the first time since 1998 with Seattle. And the very fact that he won't have to worry about hitting anymore could make him that much better.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
Vazquez, a mild disappointment in his only season in the Bronx, will probably become the D'backs' No. 1 starter, replacing Johnson. He showed ace stuff in the past with the Expos, when there wasn't as much heat on him as there was in the Big Apple, so he should benefit by the lack of spotlight. Having lost a lefty, they picked up a much younger one in Halsey, who had his struggles in his debut last year, though he did climb up the prospect ladder with a fine Triple-A season. He'll get every chance to win a spot in the Arizona rotation this spring. As for Navarro, he's one of the game's top catching prospects but was never meant for Arizona, but rather as a chip for them to trade to the Dodgers for Shawn Green.
Fantasy impact
