The Yankees lacked a left-handed starting pitcher last season, but their rotation is about to get younger and more balanced.
Free-agent right-hander Jaret Wright and left-hander Eric Milton are likely to join right-hander Mike Mussina next season, and Diamondbacks left-hander Randy Johnson still could end up the staff ace.The Yankees are close to signing Wright to a three-year, $21 million contract, Sporting News has learned. They are expected to sign Milton to a three-year deal in the $24 million range. And they remain the favorites to acquire the left-handed Johnson, according to industry sources.
Johnson, 41, is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause for another team, those sources say, but the Yankees do not plan to resume talks unless the Diamondbacks back off their previous demands. The signings of Wright and Milton would enable the Yankees to build a quality rotation without Johnson. But they want "The Big Unit" even more than free-agent center fielder Carlos Beltran, one source says.
Yankees right-hander Javier Vazquez likely would be the centerpiece of any Johnson trade. The Yankees also will continue their attempts to trade right-hander Kevin Brown while exploring possible deals with free-agent right-handers Jon Lieber and Orlando Hernandez.
Wright, 28, and Milton, 29, would give the Yankees two younger starters with upside, though each would come with questions.
Wright, 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA last season, will be leaving Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, and might not enjoy the same success against more taxing American League lineups. He was waived by the Padres only 16 months ago. But for much of last season, he was one of the best pitchers in the NL.
Milton went 14-6 with a 4.75 ERA for the Phillies last season, allowing 43 homers, most in the NL However, he should benefit from his change in parks; Citizens Bank Park was a launching pad in its inaugural season, while the dimensions at Yankee Stadium are favorable to left-handers. Milton also should be stronger physically next season; he missed almost all of 2003 after undergoing left-knee surgery.
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The Yankees have found a new leadoff man, signing free-agent second baseman Tony Womack to a two-year contract, Sporting News has learned.
Womack, 35, revived his career with the Cardinals last season, posting a .349 on-base percentage and stealing 26 bases in 31 attempts.
His addition should enable Derek Jeter to remain in the No. 2 spot full-time — Jeter shared the leadoff spot at times last season with Kenny Lofton, whom the Yankees recently traded to the Phillies.
The Yankees had been expected to re-sign free-agent second baseman Miguel Cairo, but turned to Womack after those talks stalled.
Asspciated Press
Free-agent right-hander Jaret Wright and left-hander Eric Milton are likely to join right-hander Mike Mussina next season, and Diamondbacks left-hander Randy Johnson still could end up the staff ace.The Yankees are close to signing Wright to a three-year, $21 million contract, Sporting News has learned. They are expected to sign Milton to a three-year deal in the $24 million range. And they remain the favorites to acquire the left-handed Johnson, according to industry sources.
Johnson, 41, is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause for another team, those sources say, but the Yankees do not plan to resume talks unless the Diamondbacks back off their previous demands. The signings of Wright and Milton would enable the Yankees to build a quality rotation without Johnson. But they want "The Big Unit" even more than free-agent center fielder Carlos Beltran, one source says.
Yankees right-hander Javier Vazquez likely would be the centerpiece of any Johnson trade. The Yankees also will continue their attempts to trade right-hander Kevin Brown while exploring possible deals with free-agent right-handers Jon Lieber and Orlando Hernandez.
Wright, 28, and Milton, 29, would give the Yankees two younger starters with upside, though each would come with questions.
Wright, 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA last season, will be leaving Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, and might not enjoy the same success against more taxing American League lineups. He was waived by the Padres only 16 months ago. But for much of last season, he was one of the best pitchers in the NL.
Milton went 14-6 with a 4.75 ERA for the Phillies last season, allowing 43 homers, most in the NL However, he should benefit from his change in parks; Citizens Bank Park was a launching pad in its inaugural season, while the dimensions at Yankee Stadium are favorable to left-handers. Milton also should be stronger physically next season; he missed almost all of 2003 after undergoing left-knee surgery.
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The Yankees have found a new leadoff man, signing free-agent second baseman Tony Womack to a two-year contract, Sporting News has learned.
Womack, 35, revived his career with the Cardinals last season, posting a .349 on-base percentage and stealing 26 bases in 31 attempts.
His addition should enable Derek Jeter to remain in the No. 2 spot full-time — Jeter shared the leadoff spot at times last season with Kenny Lofton, whom the Yankees recently traded to the Phillies.
The Yankees had been expected to re-sign free-agent second baseman Miguel Cairo, but turned to Womack after those talks stalled.
Asspciated Press
