November 19, 2004
Tracing the “Hot” Johnson Rumor Mill
By Brian Walton
Regular reader Shawn Puckett asked me about the trade rumors swirling around Randy Johnson and the reported price in young players it would take to get him.
What may have been the initial report was not even a report. It was carefully worded speculation; yet it has been repeated and repeated and enhanced again. As far as I can tell, it began with an item posed over a week ago by Peter Gammons-lite, also known as Ken Rosenthal of The Sporting News. No one credible has been quoted here. They just keep rehashing the same rumor. I attach no credence to the specific names mentioned. Read and decide for yourself.
Post-Dispatch (11/17): Nothing new reported. It would have been nice for the local paper to provide some insight. No such luck. Related Story Link
But, wait. Bernie Miklasz of the P-D did speak with Walt Jocketty on the 14th. While is it not a direct quote, here is what it implied as to Jocketty’s thinking. “Jocketty is reluctant to part with pitchers Dan Haren, Rick Ankiel or Anthony Reyes, or catchers Yadier Molina or Daric Barton.” Perhaps Bernie is being used to enhance Walt's negotiating position, but I don’t think so. I believe these are among the guys who Walt wants to keep. Good idea. Related Story Link
Jayson Stark, ESPN (11/18): “…they would have to give up Danny Haren. No doubt about that. Tough to forecast the rest of the package yet, since they haven't even talked. But there are indications Randy is willing to go to St. Louis, and the Cardinals would make a major run at him if that's the case. But Arizona's price would be really high - at least three young "sure things" and maybe four. The Cardinals might not be able to meet that price. In fact, no one but Anaheim might be capable of meeting that price.” http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=6530 (subscription required)
Expect the unexpected. If Walt pulls off a deal, it will be for someone like Barry Zito or a name that has even been less frequently reported than that. Walt has never tipped his hand to the press and isn’t about to start now. He knows he needs to carry out due diligence on Johnson, but I bet in his heart, Walt is well aware that Johnson isn’t coming to St. Louis.
Bottom line, Walt knows what he is doing. I don’t think TSN or Newsday have the slightest idea.
