Randy Johnson Trade Options
December 24, 2004
Written by Jason P. Kelley

Three new trade options that would make sense now that Los Angeles wisely pulled out of the Randy Johnson trade. We will break down each of these to explain how this helps each team.

1. Include the cross-town Mets. Minaya is looking for a splash, and what better way then to add another proven starter in Vasquez, and move the damaged Floyd and the extra Heilman. Add in a catcher to replace Pizza in 2 years, and this is a huge coup for the Mets and gives them salary room to go after Beltran. As part of this trade, we think that the addition of Giambi and Hildebrand makes complete sense if the Yankees will cover part of his salary to save Arizona money. Arizona benefits by getting some to man the outfield with Gonzalez and can take a chance that Giambi will be healthy enough to co-produce at first base. Hildebrand can platoon at first for the Yankees; cover third when needed, and DH a little. He is better served to be used 4-5 days a week then an everyday guy anyway.

2. Include Milwaukee. The Brewers are up and coming, probably 2 years from really showing off their young talent. Sheets has very little chance of still being there then, so why not get Vasquez to replace at a slightly lower level, move Spivey to make way for Richie Weeks, bring in Kata to platoon there for a year, get a good young catcher to compliment the young talent, and a good young third baseman to fill out their infield? Plus, they would save some cash if New York would cover a small amount of Vasquez's salary. Arizona would love Sheets with Webb, NY could use Spivey to platoon with Womack or even replace him… doesn't this make sense?

3. Include Texas. This is more then just a blockbuster trade; this would improve 3 teams now. Texas would get pitching, which it needs to continue to compete, and would get a young catcher and second baseman to continue their rise. Arizona would replace old with young, and have incredible talent to get back in the NL West - Soriano would bolster the Arizona attack. And Laird could be a good 60% catcher in Arizona. Adrian Gonzalez is talent, and then if Giambi flamed out he would take over next year. Mench would be a good 4th outfielder for New York, and if Williams had to DH, he could serve well enough so that they could not waste too much running for Beltran.