randy's future in the bronx

The New York Yankees are desperate to shelf aging rockstar Randy Johnson.  Voiding his contract is not possible, and neither is a trade.  The only option being whispered in Tampa is
a "vacation in Delaware," which is slang for the disabled list.

During the month of July, expect the Yankees to seek a trade, likely involving two other teams, in which a young right-handed pitcher comes to New York.  The Yankees are seeking a pitcher not over the age of 28 who can be a long-term contributor in their starting rotation.  Johnson, who has added over two points to his ERA in the past 2 years, has struggled against mediocre opponents this year.  Randy is not injured now.  But the team might encourage him to make a slow recovery, should he find himself on the DL this season.

The team will focus its rotation on Mussina, Chacon, Wang, and a player to be acquired later.  Wright has the fifth spot in the rotation as long as Pavano remains inactive.  Although the Yankees do not have long-term plans for Wright, expect him to hang on even if he relocates to the bullpen in September.