azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Mark Gonzales
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 12, 2004 12:00 AM
ANAHEIM - As the Diamondbacks conducted a late Saturday night meeting with Randy Johnson's agents, they continued their pursuit of contending status in the National League West.
They could announce the signing of free agent shortstop Royce Clayton by Monday and make another push toward second baseman Craig Counsell during their meeting with agent Barry Meister, who also represents Johnson.
"I told Royce he's the second best shortstop I've ever seen play," Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. "Only (Hall of Famer) Ozzie Smith was better."
Improving the team could help the Diamondbacks' case to keep Johnson, who has told his agents to seek a trade.
"We're only a few years removed from being a division winner," manager Bob Melvin said. "It's not like we're a decade removed."
That might not convince Meister or Alan Nero, who also represents Johnson. Each declined comment before the meeting they requested.
The Diamondbacks haven't been able to get what they want in exchange for Johnson, 41, and might be open to offering a contract extension beyond 2005.
"I think at some point Randy and the organization will decide it's time to turn our attention to the 2005 season," CEO elect Jeff Moorad said.
"And we're not at that point yet, but we're certainly focused on him being part of the organization in '05."
That could a reality if the Diamondbacks can't get what they believe is fair market value for Johnson, a primary target of the New York Yankees.
The Chicago White Sox, however, have re-entered the sweepstakes and could provide a better match.
The White Sox also have deals with other teams that could crystallize if they can't land Johnson.
"As we've said, we're sensitive to Randy's feelings and have felt it appropriate to listen to interested organizations," Moorad said. "We'll continue to do that and be mindful of the fact that it appears we don't match up with Randy's first choice."
Meanwhile, Melvin said the team would like to acquire an outfielder. First baseman Shea Hillenbrand, who is arbitration eligible, is receiving interest from several teams.
Landing Clayton and/or Counsell would give Melvin versatility throughout the lineup.
The Diamondbacks could also be interested in signing a veteran catcher to a minor league contract to back up Chris Snyder or Koyie Hill, who is expected to recover from ankle surgery.
They also made a strong push toward Matt Clement, but the former Cubs pitcher appears to be headed to Anaheim or Cleveland.
Landing another veteran starting pitcher would allow left-hander Mike Gosling and Oscar Villarreal to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation.
The Diamondbacks will add more leadership in spring training with Matt Williams, Todd Stottlemyre, Will Clark and perhaps Mark Grace as guest instructors.
"We're going to bring in some guys who carry some weight in the baseball world," Melvin said.
Left fielder Luis Gonzalez, who underwent reconstructed right elbow surgery last August, started throwing on Tuesday.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1212dbacks1212.html
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 12, 2004 12:00 AM
ANAHEIM - As the Diamondbacks conducted a late Saturday night meeting with Randy Johnson's agents, they continued their pursuit of contending status in the National League West.
They could announce the signing of free agent shortstop Royce Clayton by Monday and make another push toward second baseman Craig Counsell during their meeting with agent Barry Meister, who also represents Johnson.
"I told Royce he's the second best shortstop I've ever seen play," Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. "Only (Hall of Famer) Ozzie Smith was better."
Improving the team could help the Diamondbacks' case to keep Johnson, who has told his agents to seek a trade.
"We're only a few years removed from being a division winner," manager Bob Melvin said. "It's not like we're a decade removed."
That might not convince Meister or Alan Nero, who also represents Johnson. Each declined comment before the meeting they requested.
The Diamondbacks haven't been able to get what they want in exchange for Johnson, 41, and might be open to offering a contract extension beyond 2005.
"I think at some point Randy and the organization will decide it's time to turn our attention to the 2005 season," CEO elect Jeff Moorad said.
"And we're not at that point yet, but we're certainly focused on him being part of the organization in '05."
That could a reality if the Diamondbacks can't get what they believe is fair market value for Johnson, a primary target of the New York Yankees.
The Chicago White Sox, however, have re-entered the sweepstakes and could provide a better match.
The White Sox also have deals with other teams that could crystallize if they can't land Johnson.
"As we've said, we're sensitive to Randy's feelings and have felt it appropriate to listen to interested organizations," Moorad said. "We'll continue to do that and be mindful of the fact that it appears we don't match up with Randy's first choice."
Meanwhile, Melvin said the team would like to acquire an outfielder. First baseman Shea Hillenbrand, who is arbitration eligible, is receiving interest from several teams.
Landing Clayton and/or Counsell would give Melvin versatility throughout the lineup.
The Diamondbacks could also be interested in signing a veteran catcher to a minor league contract to back up Chris Snyder or Koyie Hill, who is expected to recover from ankle surgery.
They also made a strong push toward Matt Clement, but the former Cubs pitcher appears to be headed to Anaheim or Cleveland.
Landing another veteran starting pitcher would allow left-hander Mike Gosling and Oscar Villarreal to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation.
The Diamondbacks will add more leadership in spring training with Matt Williams, Todd Stottlemyre, Will Clark and perhaps Mark Grace as guest instructors.
"We're going to bring in some guys who carry some weight in the baseball world," Melvin said.
Left fielder Luis Gonzalez, who underwent reconstructed right elbow surgery last August, started throwing on Tuesday.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1212dbacks1212.html
