While no agreement was reached regarding Randy Johnson yesterday, the Yankees did make one move. They reached a tentative deal with first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, and he will be undergoing a physical today.
Mientkiewicz, a former Met who recorded the last out of Boston’s 2004 World Series victory, should bolster the team’s defense at first, allowing Jason Giambi to DH more often. The 32-year-old left-handed hitter batted .283 with four homers and 43 RBIs in 314 at-bats for the Royals last season. He must pass his physical, of course, before his short-term deal becomes official.
Multiple teams remained in the mix for Johnson, a source confirmed yesterday amid reports that the Big Unit might be traded to Arizona by the end of the week.
As of yesterday afternoon, the Yankees had not allowed any club permission to speak with Johnson or his agents regarding a contract extension, which presumes to be the final part of a trade puzzle with many moving pieces. Yesterday, a report from suburban San Diego’s North County Times stated that the Padres remained “definite players” for the 43-year-old lefty.
A baseball official confirmed that Arizona was not the only team still vying for the five-time Cy Young Award winner. A second source with knowledge of the talks noted there was nothing new to report over the course of yesterday’s business.
The Yankees and Diamondbacks apparently still haven’t come to agreement on the financial part of the proposed deal. According to the report, the Padres have made their last, best offer.
Although Johnson prefers to be closer to his West Coast home, another current Yankee was concerned about his name being mentioned in earlier trade talks.
According to Robinson Cano, outfielder Melky Cabrera was dismayed by his inclusion in discussions with Pittsburgh for reliever Mike Gonzalez – talks that eventually faltered.
Cano, in New Rochelle yesterday to sign 1,100 items of memorabilia as part of an exclusive marketing deal, said his good friend was rattled by the thought of playing elsewhere in 2007.
“He was worried, because he wanted to stay with the Yankees,” Cano said. “I tell him that if it happens, to keep playing the way he played.”
Cano, who played about 20 games of winter ball in the Dominican Republic, said he watched the World Series and thought to himself “that we should’ve been there.
“That’s all right,” he said. “We get them this year.
“We’re supposed to make the playoffs, but we have to give some credit to the Tigers.”
The Yankees second baseman said he didn’t know Andy Pettitte but presumed he would help the club. He had not been following the Johnson talks and had no comment.