D-backs not able to reach agreement with Johnson
It looks like Randy Johnson will not pitch in a D-backs uniform in 2009.
Johnson's agents Barry Meister and Alan Nero released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
"At Randy's request, we traveled to Phoenix on Monday to meet with Josh Byrnes and Jeff Moorad to explore every option for Randy to remain a Diamondback in 2009 and for the remainder of his career.
"Randy instructed us not to file for free agency until we made every effort to reach an agreement. 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.
"Consequently, Randy is forced to file for free agency and consider all opportunities to further his career. He hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another World Championship.
"Randy and his family live in Arizona and he will always be a Diamondback at heart. Most of all, Randy will miss the overwhelming support the fans have shown him throughout the years. He wishes the Diamondbacks great success in 2009 and beyond."
D-backs officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
-- Steve Gilbert
Johnson's agents Barry Meister and Alan Nero released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
"At Randy's request, we traveled to Phoenix on Monday to meet with Josh Byrnes and Jeff Moorad to explore every option for Randy to remain a Diamondback in 2009 and for the remainder of his career.
"Randy instructed us not to file for free agency until we made every effort to reach an agreement. 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.
"Consequently, Randy is forced to file for free agency and consider all opportunities to further his career. He hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another World Championship.
"Randy and his family live in Arizona and he will always be a Diamondback at heart. Most of all, Randy will miss the overwhelming support the fans have shown him throughout the years. He wishes the Diamondbacks great success in 2009 and beyond."
D-backs officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
-- Steve Gilbert
I may be wrong, but i cant see him goin back east again. dodgers, angels and maybe a return to astros as possible destinations.. those have best chance to win
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I'm so disgusted by this. The Diamondbacks are stupid for this. They had a chance to keep him for 50% paycut! Shows this organization has zero value on his 300th win and his legacy. So upset right now...
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Benny, I guess you didn't realize how much 50% would be...it would be 6mil. To spend 6mil on someone that could require surgery on his back if he steps on the mound wrong is a huge chance and plus the dbacks do not have that kind of money to spend. I think they only had roughly 3mil for a year. He is a good 5th starter for any team but not worth that kind of money since he can't break 95mph anymore and his slider has lost most of the bite.
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I guess my frustration is the 300th win. He deserves to get it, if he does ( I believe he will by end June) with the Dbacks. It just seems wrong he won't be with us.
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I agree that he should be allowed to do it for the dbacks and would want to do it for the dbacks for a more reasonable offer. I for sure hope he won't get it against the dbacks, that would be a big slap in the face.
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Actually, I kind of hope he does get his 300th win against the Dbacks. If it wasn't for the Dbacks bullpen, RJ would already have his 300 wins with the Dbacks and we wouldn't even be discussing this because he would be retired!
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Ball i agree with this so much.
I have a couple words for D'Back management i cannot post on here but they invole 4 letters and then you.
You call this running a baseball team? First you cant get a Webb extension done and now this? You should be ashamed. RJ was willing to take a 50% paycut to remain a D'Back but no 6m is too much to spend on a future HOF and for him to get his 250th win in Arizona. Wow Webb if you smart get out now.
AS for RJ thanks for all you've done. That perfect game was amazing. And that last game of the year this year. Absoulutley amazing. Good luck with your new team.
PS. Sign with the BoSox
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There was a time when the Dodgers coveted Randy, maybe it rolled around again, especially if they don't resign Lowe or sign CC.
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Hopefully Byrnes is clearing salary room to fix the holes in this roster. With RJ's money off the table, there shouldn't be a problem bringing in a closer, how about Kerry Wood for 3 years. And while we're fixing the problem, how about a veteran lefty, power hitting 1B with a career 1.000 fld%, Jim Edmonds for 1 year (hey, the last gold glove CF to move to 1B won a gold glove at 1B as well, Darin Erstad). And to address the 2B issue, he's already on our team; Augie Ojeda. Ramon Vazquez? That guy is a lesser version of Augie, literally. Take out his one year in Texas and he's just as bad of a hitter, but with poor defense. I can only hope that the mention of this "nobody" is some kind of sick joke coming from Byrnes. Augie had a 1.000 fld% at 2B in 44 games last season, that should suffice. Hit him 8th since you're not shelling out for the leadoff hitter we need anyway (Furcal, Roberts). Bring back TC, maybe Counsel as a backup IF, and fill Cruz's spot (impossible; but don't worry about it, if you sign Wood you won't need another reliever). Yeah, I think we'll make do without RJ next year, as long as we don't sit back and do nothing this winter. Go Dbacks!
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It is sad Johnson won't be in a D-Bax uniform. I grew up in Chicago, White Sox all the way ... but moved to Tempe in 1999, (Sedona 2000-'05) - before moving back to Chicago - however, I enjoyed 6 summers of Diamondback baseball and was there to celebrate w/ my adopted / transplanted team and the wonderful fans in AZ in 2001. What a great honor for a fan to watch Schilling and Johnson pitch every three and four days ---- Its too bad Johnson couldn't do what Mario Lemieux did for the Penguins when he came out of retirement. When Lemieux bought the Pens he took the minimal NHL salary for 10 yr veterans, which was $1 million dollars and I believe he donated it back to the team. I don't understand why Johnson needs or wants the money .... the D-Bax still have a good shot at a winner next year. It won't be the same seeing Randy in another uniform celebrating w/ fans - when he should be in AZ.
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However, I do agree w/ Randy if he decides to move on. He has been there for the pivotal years helping the franchise grow and giving that club its first World Series, perfect game, 300 strike out seasons, Cy Young winners, - what a career in AZ he had. D-Bax management had a good offer on the table from Randy .... I just wish money never got in the way like this because its the fans who pay the damn salaries.
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