MLB: Big Unit files for free agency
By BOB BAUM
Associated Press
PHOENIX — Randy Johnson filed for free agency today after failing to reach a contract agreement to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 45-year-old lefty is five victories shy of 300 and "hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another world championship," agents Barry Meister and Alan Nero said in a statement.
The agents said they met in Phoenix on Monday with Diamondbacks chief executive officer Jeff Moorad and general manager Josh Byrnes "to explore every option for Randy to remain a Diamondback in 2009 and for the remainder of his career."
"The Diamondbacks have a budget based on their club's financial situation and obviously viewed Randy's contract in that context," the agents said. "Randy considered every reasonable compromise including offering to take a 50 percent pay cut, all to remain a Diamondback. However, the economic situation did not lend itself to an agreement."
Johnson made $16 million last year and went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA. He struck out 173 and walked 44.
Johnson is a five-time Cy Young winner. He won the NL Cy Young from 1999-2002 with Arizona.
The Big Unit was co-MVP with Curt Schilling in the 2001 World Series victory over the New York Yankees. He went 21-6 with a 2.49 ERA and 372 strikeouts that year.
Johnson has 4,789 strikeouts, second to Nolack surgery of his career that year.
In January 2005, the Diamondbacks traded him to the Yankees. Johnson and his family have long made their home in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley.
"Randy will miss the overwhelming support the fans have shown him throughout the years," his agents said. "He wishes the Diamondbacks great success in 2009 and beyond."
