Brewers confirm interest in Randy Johnson

[schmidty]

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed his club's interest in free agent left-hander Randy Johnson on Wednesday, but the feeling may not be mutual.

 

Melvin said one of Johnson's agents, Barry Meister, told him the Brewers fit four of Johnson's five criteria. But Milwaukee is not on the West Coast -- unless you count Lake Michigan, Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash joked -- and Johnson is looking for a job closer to home.

 

The Brewers, facing the certain departure of CC Sabathia and the likely departure of Ben Sheets, plan to keep lines of communication open.

 

"You stay in until you're told you're not in it," Melvin said. "We haven't made any offers. They haven't asked us to make an offer yet."

 

Johnson, a 21-year veteran, rebounded from back problems to go 11-10 for the Diamondbacks in 2008 with a 3.91 ERA in 184 innings and 30 starts. He is five wins shy of 300 for his career.

 

-- Adam McCalvy

In my opinion, this would be a great deal for the Brewers for two reasons.

!: It adds some depth to a very weak rotation

2: RJ will be able to tutor Gallardo and Parra .

 

[Invader3K]

2: RJ will be able to tutor Gallardo and Parra .

Really?

 

"Grow a foot taller, kid."

[PlayerHader]

Be sweet to see him win his 300th as a Brewer. It'd be even sweeter if it was in April.

[TooLiveBrew]

Melvin said one of Johnson's agents, Barry Meister, told him the Brewers fit four of Johnson's five criteria

 

That's a good sign, as there are west-coast teams that probably wouldn't fit each of the other 4 criteria, too. I am hopeful about Unit.

 

Also, Gord Ash rules

[brettac1]

I have to think that being close to home probably matters more than some/all of those other criteria, though.

[joepepsi]

Maybe it could be a Roger Clemens type deal where Randy only joins the team for West Coast road trips.

[Tbadder]

I think this could be a great sign if it happens in Feburary. Good idea.

[liveforoctober]

I would love to roll the dice with Randy Johnson as our closer. How intimidating is that?

I know it would never happen, cause Randy needs his 300th ... but come on now. It would work.. I know it.

[TooLiveBrew]

He has much more value as a SP. He'd be largely wasted at CP.

[Invader3K]

Yeah, but where is he going to go on the West Coast, really? The Mariners and Giants are losers right now, Padres aren't spending money, the A's probably aren't spending money...I somehow doubt the Angels or Dodgers are that interested...

[TooLiveBrew]

I actually think the Dodgers or Angels make a lot of sense. Especially LA, who've likely lost Lowe to the FA market. I agree with you on the other teams though.