Looks like the Padres are stepping up to the plate for Randy Johnson.  Although he didn’t have a good second half, I’ll take Scott Linebrink for bullpen help.  The interesting thing is whether Randy will accept a deal to San Diego.  The Yankees are in a great position because trading him is optional (although realistically once the cat is out of the bag, you want to get it done). Randy’s silence should be taken as consent to the trade at this point.  Neither he, or his agent protested or has said anything about rejecting a trade. And the Yankees have spun this thing to make it look like they initiated it.  Come on now, a player with a full no-trade clause – this has to be happening at Randy’s request.  Funny, all of the teams mentioned are teams that he would play for. Look for something to happen by this weekend.  This slows down the Zito process considerably.  Borus will be trying to get the Yankees in the mix once they clear the Randy salary.  The problem there is Zito is asking for too much of a committment.  Maybe the Yankees increase the money but over a shorter period of time (but not that much because Jeter has to remain the highest salaried player paid by the Yankees)?  $17 million for 4 years?  $68 million? Whereas the Mets will be at $14-15 million range.  He clearly doesn’t want to go to Texas otherwise that deal would have been signed two weeks ago. We will watch this play out with great interest….

1) Wang; 2) Zito; 3) Pettitte; 4) Mussina); and WHOEVER – Igawa, Pavano, Clemens, etc, etc….