The New York Yankees could not pry Randy Johnson from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, but now it seems they have an added bargaining chip.
An industry source has confirmed Arizona has some interest in right-hander Javier Vazquez, whom New York is apparently willing to part with in a deal for Johnson.
When the Yanks made their push for Johnson before this year's trade deadline, Vazquez was not available. But now he seems to be, although New York would likely have to absorb some of his salary to entice the D-Backs to take him.
D-Backs general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. declined comment on his trade talks other than to say, "We're talking to a lot of teams."
Vazquez has $34.5 million remaining on the four-year contract he signed with the Yankees after being acquired from the Montreal Expos: $10.5 million next year, $11.5 million in 2006 and $12.5 million in 2007.
Johnson's contract calls for him to make $16 million in 2005, plus a $1 million personal services deal.
Vazquez, 28, was 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA this year. He was an All-Star, going 10-5 with a 3.56 ERA in the first half, but after that - including a rough postseason - he was 5-5 with a 7.25 ERA.
In seven major league seasons, the first six with Montreal, he is 78-78 with a 4.26 ERA.
An industry source has confirmed Arizona has some interest in right-hander Javier Vazquez, whom New York is apparently willing to part with in a deal for Johnson.
When the Yanks made their push for Johnson before this year's trade deadline, Vazquez was not available. But now he seems to be, although New York would likely have to absorb some of his salary to entice the D-Backs to take him.
D-Backs general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. declined comment on his trade talks other than to say, "We're talking to a lot of teams."
Vazquez has $34.5 million remaining on the four-year contract he signed with the Yankees after being acquired from the Montreal Expos: $10.5 million next year, $11.5 million in 2006 and $12.5 million in 2007.
Johnson's contract calls for him to make $16 million in 2005, plus a $1 million personal services deal.
Vazquez, 28, was 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA this year. He was an All-Star, going 10-5 with a 3.56 ERA in the first half, but after that - including a rough postseason - he was 5-5 with a 7.25 ERA.
In seven major league seasons, the first six with Montreal, he is 78-78 with a 4.26 ERA.
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