Quick Hits: Big Unit out of NYC?

From the rumor mill (ESPN.com):

"In the past week the Arizona Diamondbacks have offered a package of players to the New York Yankees in exchange for Randy Johnson, a baseball official said.

In need of starting pitching -- and a marquee name that will draw more fans -- the Diamondbacks have offered a package of at least three players, including a major-leaguer. They would also want a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Johnson, who is owed $16 million in the final year of his contract. The Yankees, according to the official, don't want to pick up any of Johnson's salary."

Wow. If this is true, then this would be big for both teams. The Yankees will rid themselves of Johnson's monstrous contract, a player who has not quite fit in the Big Apple, and a pitcher who has not matched his success in Arizona with the Yankees. In turn, the Yankees would get some prospects, some major league ready and also they could exercise more flexibility with their pitching staff and possibly set themselves up in the race to get Roger Clemens.

The D-Backs will get a marquee name, and a guy familiar with the area. Also, the move could possibly make the team a contender again in the NL West. If Johnson could possibly regain his form with Arizona again from his first tour of duty, the combination of he and ace Brandon Webb would be a formidable twosome.

However, Johnson must approve any trade, as he's got a no-trade clause in his contract.