According to this link, Randy Johnson will likely not be pitching for Arizona next year.
Johnson made $10 million last year to put up an impressive 11-10 record with an ERA that actually was impressive at 3.91. While that was a pretty good year for a 44 year old pitcher, the Diamondbacks only valued him at a few million dollars and Johnson would have pitched for a discounted $8 million.
Now there are a few things to consider here. While Johnson did have a relatively solid year, he does have a pretty solid injury history - mostly with his back. Guys with back issues don't really seem like a good idea when they are getting into their mid 40's (Johnson will be 45 next year.) Let's also not forget that he did hit that bird that one time....
Now let's look at the positives. A pitcher with his stats (disregarding his age) would normally get the $8 million he was looking for. He is pretty much the definition of a veteran clubhouse presence having pitched 21 seasons and won 5 Cy Young Awards (including 4 consecutive for the those crazy Diamondbacks.) Let's also not forget he's got a career ERA in the very low 3's and is only 5 wins shy of 300. Watching chase win #300 will bring in a lot of media attention and fans to their games.
Bottom line, Johnson is likely done in Arizona but will end up pitching somewhere to get win #300 - let's just hope it isn't in New York.
Arizona down - 28 teams to go.
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