The Diamondbacks and Yankees have reached tentative agreement on a trade that would return Randy Johnson to Arizona, pending a 72 window in which the Snakes will attempt to wrap up a contract extension. From the AP :

Arizona would send pitcher Luis Vizcaino to the Yankees along with minor league pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez, another baseball official said, also on condition of anonymity. The Yankees also might receive another minor league pitcher, the official said, and would pay between $1.5 million and $2 million of Johnson’s $16 million salary this year.

The Journal News’ Peter Abraham reports that right-hander Stephen Jackson is part of the package New York shall receive, along with giving his thumbs-up for the deal.

Getting three solid prospects for a 43-year-old coming off surgery seems to make sense. The Yankees clearly have not had the right mix for a few years now and Cashman is trying to change that.

I found the Yankees to be a team that was too comfortable. Lots of stars making lots of money with lots of trophies back home. They could use younger players and players who need to prove themselves. Dealing away Gary Sheffield and Randy Johnson will change the tenor of the team. That can only help.

As for the 17 wins, they can get 17 wins from Pavano, Igawa, Pettitte, Proctor, the assorted kids and – who knows? – perhaps one Roger Clemens.

While the Mets have denied an SF Chronicle report claiming Da Edge is Oakland bound in exchange for Joe Blanton, Newsday’s Ken Davidoff claims there’s interest on Omar Minaya’s part in bringing Wevie Stonder I to Flushing. Grant Roberts, if you’d like to chat about cruel double standards, I should be available to instant message in about 2 hours.