Truth & Rumors > MLB

D-Backs pressured to keep Big Unit

Views
2380
Comments
8

Looks like a big meeting in Arizona between the Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson could go far in determining whether the Big Unit, a free agent, remains in Arizona, as is his preference, or has to seek employment elsewhere. Until now the Diamondbacks, who are watching the bottom line, have been hinting they may elect to pass on Johnson, but the pressure to keep him around so he can earn his 300th career win as a Diamondback might push them to bring him back. Johnson, 45, is three wins shy of 300 and is also aiming for 5,000 strikeouts, but has told people he wants to win one more World Series. Johnson has 4,789 strikeouts, so he'd likely have to pitch two years to reach that milestone.

Boston Globe

Randy Johnson, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Randy Johnson, Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Comments (8) Add A Comment

November 13, 2008  06:39 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

I don't know on this one. Every time I think this old bird is shot, he goes out and throws a gem against a good team. He's no longer a top of the rotation guy. He's still been solid enough for the middle of the rotation.

November 13, 2008  09:06 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

At the right price...keep him...good for the team as a mentor and a player.

November 13, 2008  10:12 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

He only works when he wants to. So maybe he wants to work?

November 13, 2008  11:42 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

The article can be summed up as:
"Johnson has publicly made the statement "I WILL NOT go out 'on top' or with any semblance of having anything left in the tank... I want to stick around as long as anyone will cut me a paycheck -- WELL past my time -- so I can pad my stats."

November 13, 2008  04:11 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Chiefrucka6, Why so jaded. Johnson may not be a #1 or #2 starter for the D'Backs (as they have Webb and Harren) but he had many quality starts last season and even dominated a number of games. If the D'Backs had given him run support in some of the 6 or 7 games he dominated, Johnson would already have won 300 games. Johnson is a competitor and wants to win another Series and he can still significantly help. Nothing wrong with that.

November 13, 2008  05:00 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

I agree with ELK...Johnson had a great streak last year...i think he had 6 quality starts out of 8 games at one point..and the man still can get people out..his fastball went all the way up to 96 a couple of times and his slider was still breaking sharply...he still had 173 strikeouts in 184 innings and had a good WHIP of 1.24

November 13, 2008  07:45 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

The Big Unit can still pitch, Period! Any team that can get him for a reasonable price should jump at the chance. I am an Angel fan and I hope we get him for say $3mil. He doesn't need anymore money anyway. Then we will have money left to give Texiera and Manny. lol lol Yeah. like that will happen. Hey it's my dream and I will dream if I want to. ha!!!!!!!!

 
November 13, 2008  09:30 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

they should keep him coz he will be the first d-backs to win 300 and maybe some kind of loyalty for this guy who help them to thier first world series championship...

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Dr. Andrews: Favre wants to be a Viking
    Views
    6017
    Comments
    732
  2. 2
    Cutler puts off endorsements
    Views
    22267
    Comments
    199
  3. 3
    Lakers interested in Knick
    Views
    60622
    Comments
    84
  4. 4
    Will Bradley make U.S. team moves?
    Views
    4406
    Comments
    65
  5. 5
    Red Sox trade hinges on Lowell
    Views
    14229
    Comments
    58

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    Porkins: NOT BILLY MAYES!!
  2. 2
    RobertMenn: Alves Rd3 TKO
  3. 3
    Perfectpats
  4. 4
    Sassafras
  5. 5
    Oso New Jack City

Message Boards

  1. NFL > Tennessee Titans

    Steve "The Air" McNair
    Views
    393
    Replies
    14

  2. NFL > Chicago Bears

    genaral
    Views
    114
    Replies
    8

  3. NCAAF > Kentucky Wildcats

    Football: What will the Cats…
    Views
    75
    Replies
    4

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

Ariel MeredithAriel Meredith
Kayla ObergKayla Oberg

SI Photos

Men's Grand Slam All-Time LeadersMen's Grand Slam All-Time Leaders
Roger Federer's Grand Slam TitlesRoger Federer's Grand Slam Titles