Rumor Mill: Let's make a deal

by Dex on Dec 27, 2006 8:15 AM PST in News

The Padres are all over the Rumor Mill today with talk of the Big Unit's potentially coming over. Gather it up! The Rumor Mill's a churnin'!

Ken Davidoff thinks the Yankees would be making a mistake by moving Johnson. What, he's got years left? He's got something in the basement? How is it a mistake to move the guy for something that will help you more now and in the future? I mean, the guy's 43. Not to say that the Padres need more guys in their forty-somethings, but it's not like we're counting on him to win a ton of games for us. And also, I never understand why some baseball people don't realize that having players happy is better for the team. There's a distinct group who must truly believe that these aren't actually people who play baseball, but some other form of intelligent life. Dolphins with thumbs or something.

It's one thing to improve team morale. It's another to decrease your chances of winning it all, and that's what a trade of Johnson would accomplish.

Keep in mind, Davidoff has absolutely no idea what Johnson would be traded for. Arizona has a ton of young talent. The Padres are potentially moving Linebrink. These aren't exactly nobodies. Methinks a certain columnist has a bit of a crush on the Big Unit. Besides, as we know, a certain Uncle Barry seems to favor New York.

While the the Ducksnorters debate the merits of our mustachioed hero, personally, I like the idea of Johnson coming to San Diego. No offense to Linebrink, but we did kinda find him wandering the woods before he became a star. And now that his star has started to cool, it might not be such a bad idea to mosey him along. It's not like we're talking about giving up some of our young talent like Barfield or Kottaras or... Oh wait... Scratch that thought.

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Driving up the price

I can't see RJ moving to the Padres unless Wells' decides not to sign. Even then, taking on his salary would pretty much kill our chances of signing anyone else. Then again, if he was healthy, we could afford to have a cheap, league average left field platoon. That would be scary facing Young one day, and then Johnson the next. Follow that up with Hensley and throw in some Meredith and opposing hitters wouldn't know where to look for a release point.

Altough if we are adding payroll, I would rather see the Padres go after Beltre. Put him at third where he is an above average fielder, and move the Kouz to Left. You have a solid lineup and still have a great rotation, pretty much regardless who your fifth starter is. Not only that, you have some of that power Padres' fans have been looking for.

by osbug on Dec 27, 2006 8:55 AM PST reply actions

what about

the availability of Andruw?

by frequentfriar on Dec 27, 2006 11:38 AM PST reply actions

You really think

Johnson has ANYTHING in the tank? That's why the Yankees would TRY to get rid of him! The Pads don't have anything to trade with, nor would Alderson spend this type of cash on 2 (Maddux) aging pitchers -- it would be easier to throw money at a younger Barry Zito, and not give up prospects (that that don't have, anyway) or another position player -- and then pay Johnson!

This isn't going to happen. The Yankees are stuck with The Unit.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 27, 2006 7:26 PM PST reply actions

And --

if David Wells wants to pitch on the cheap, and the Pads can keep close to that magic "30-million" dollar FA budget we've all talked about, that's a more viable option as another starter.

Wells is still more likely to pitch here than anywhere else, if doesn't hold to his 'retirement.'

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 27, 2006 7:30 PM PST reply actions

so

whats the problem with closing the deal now...i dont see why we wouldnt offer Boomer a contract that he has asked for in 3mil. Are we still trying to drive that price down? Saw on MLB4U.com rumors that we were offering Linebrink, Kouzmanoff and another prospect for Randy Johnson and cash. Thats a huge mistake if Boomer could be had for 3mil. Sign Wells and we are set...unless someone came to us with an incredible offer for a power bat. No problem witht the team we have + Boomer.

by frequentfriar on Dec 29, 2006 11:58 AM PST reply actions