The Randy Johnson trade is edging toward official completion before this afternoon’s 5 p.m. deadline.
Johnson and the Diamondbacks continued to make progress in their pursuit of a 2008 contract extension. If the two sides reach a deal, it would enable the Yankees to send Johnson back home to the desert and acquire pitching prospect Ross Ohlendorf, reliever Luis Vizcaino, and minor leaguers Alberto Gonzalez, a smooth-fielding shortstop, and minor league pitcher Steven Jackson. The Yankees also will send $2 million to the Diamondbacks.
There are some scouts in the Arizona organization who consider Ohlendorf the Diamondbacks best pitching prospect because of his makeup, intelligence and ability.
The teams reached a tentative agreement on the trade Thursday and the two sides are sure to work out the extension. Johnson could get $11 million for 2008. “We are making progress. We’re optimistic,” agent Alan Nero told the AP yesterday of the negotiations.
Once the extension is official, all the players then have to undergo physicals. Johnson is expected to have his physical tomorrow, and the Diamondbacks will hold a formal press conference for the Big Unit most likely on Wednesday in Phoenix.
