Quick Hits - Late Edition

Randy Looks to be All But Gone:

As mentioned prior, the Yankees and Arizona have agreed Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona. As it is right now, the Yankees would get relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino, minor league pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson & shortstop Alberto Gonzalez. Johnson is interested in a contract extension for at least another year.

Does this make the Yankees better? Well, in my opinion it sure does not hurt. Randy Johnson won 17 games in 2005 and 2006, but it was much in part of to hefty run support. He looked like the Randy of old in spots, but like a middle aged man in a few. Although he had some good numbers, his ERA was about 5 in 2006 and he failed where it counts the most for those in Yankee-land – October.

Well, the Yankees only lose if Randy suddenly comes to be Randy of old. His numbers should be better considering that he’s back in the NL and without a lot of the power laden lineups the AL has. As well Randy can compliment Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez and balance out their rotation. While the trade may not get to the Diamondbacks to the cream of the crop, they can become contenders in the NL West.

The Yankees get prospects and dump salary, which never hurt. The Diamondbacks don’t give anyone whose worthy away, so it’s no harm to them either.

The Yankees still have Mussina, Wang, Pettitte, Pavano (assuming he is recovered and not shell-shocked), Igawa and maybe wunderkind Phillip Hughes up the pipeline.

Everyone will be fine. It’s a win-win.

Also, what happens with Bernie Williams? Anyhow, I hope he gets to play next year, and he’s always been a class act. Even though he’s never signed for me, I have always been able to get a picture with him and chatted with him once at BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Aiport)

If there are any Yankee fans who read this blog, what do you think?

Orioles Stuff:

Trusty reporter for the Sun, Roch Kubtako updates his blog, Roch Around the Clock. It’s updated with minor league news along with a FanFest update (same as what was repeated here earlier.)

MLB Stuffage:

• Former Braves closer Chris Reitsma agreed Friday to a $2.05 million, one-year contract with Seattle to become the Mariners' setup man. He gets $1.35 million this year and can earn additional bonuses based on appearances and games finished. Seattle has a $2.7 million option for 2008 with a $700,000 buyout.
  
  
• According to CNNSi.com, White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe may sit out the 2007 season after a judge ordered him to make twice-monthly court appearances in a Dominican Republic shooting case. He is implicated along with a few family members in a murder of a farmer in his home country.
  
  
• John Heyman gives Bud Selig Some Love: In his article for CNNsi.com, he thinks Bud Selig should be awarded praise for what he’s done for MLB. I got to met and hear Bud Selig talk during the ’06 All-Star Game, had a few words with and I found him to be a nice, approachable fellow. Even though he’s got the stench of the mucked All-Star Game in Milwaukee still on him, and angered purists with inter-league baseball, he’s done a lot to help the sport grow and for that I agree with Heyman.
  
  
• According to CNNsi.com, the Red Sox are still searching for a closer and the Nats’ Chad Cordero is on the top of the list. However, the Sox do not want to give away their prospects, and as moribund as the Nats’ are now, they want young players at any cost.
  
  
• David Wells is unlikely to be signed to the Giants, according to GM Brian Sabean. He may go back to San Diego.

Happy Trails: Bill Cowher resigned as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Friday, stepping aside to spend more time with his family. He won the Super Bowl in 2006 and had .619 winning percentage, 149-90-1 record, and fourth overall with a 161-99-1 record counting postseason games in Pittsburgh over 15 years. Know for his chin, the tough guy persona and intensity, he’s an icon in the Steel City, and being up there for a bit this summer, the people of Pittsburgh love Cowher and he’s indeed one of their own.