Randy Johnson to file for free agency

11/13/08 5:08 PM EST
Johnson to file for free agency
Move means left-hander unlikely to pitch for D-backs in '09

By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- It looks like Randy Johnson will not pitch for the D-backs in 2009.

Johnson's agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, released a statement on Thursday afternoon that said the talks between the two sides had reached an impasse.

The 45-year-old Johnson is expected to file for free agency today, the final day that those eligible can do so.

"Randy instructed us not to file for free agency until we made every effort to reach an agreement," the statement said.

D-backs officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

"I'm very disappointed," Johnson told MLB.com. "I recognize the economic problems and the situation the Diamondbacks are in and that was one of the reasons I was willing to come back for less. I was willing to take a 50 percent pay cut to come back here. To not be able to come back for another year at the price I was willing to come back for is disappointing."

Meister and Nero traveled to Phoenix for face-to-face talks with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes and CEO Jeff Moorad on Monday.

Johnson made $10 million last season plus a $4 million prorated signing bonus. The left-hander is just five victories away from 300. Last season, coming off his second back surgery in as many years, he was 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA.

"The Diamondbacks have a budget based on their club's financial situation and obviously viewed Randy's contract in that context," the statement said. "Randy considered every reasonable compromise, including offering to take a 50 percent pay cut, all to remain a Diamondback. However, the economic situation did not lend itself to an agreement.

"Consequently, Randy is forced to file for free agency and consider all opportunities to further his career. He hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another world championship."

Johnson pitched for the D-backs from 1999-2004 before being dealt to the Yankees. He pitched in New York for two seasons before requesting a trade to be closer to his family in the Phoenix area.

"Randy and his family live in Arizona and he will always be a Diamondback at heart," the statement said. "Most of all, Randy will miss the overwhelming support the fans have shown him throughout the years. He wishes the Diamondbacks great success in 2009 and beyond."

Many of Johnson's career highlights happened while wearing an Arizona uniform. He was instrumental in the D-backs' World Series title in 2001, as he and Curt Schilling were named co-MVP's of the Series. Johnson won two games as a starter and got the win in relief in Game 7, one day after winning Game 6.

Johnson, who is second all-time in strikeouts with 4,789, tossed a perfect game on May 18, 2004, for the D-backs in Atlanta. While with the D-backs, he won four straight NL Cy Young Awards from 1999-2002.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Maybe we sign him for a year or two?

gdennis59 wrote:

Maybe we sign him for a year or two?

He's 45! I'll pass.

Maybe a better point. I never really do consider the age, its all about how they perform to me.

I rather see the Tigers sign Johnson than Rogers