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The Big Unit could be leaving the Yankees

Two years ago, five time Cy Young winner, left hander Randy Johnson joined the New York Yankees in a move that seemed to signal an imminent World Series title for the baseball empire. The pitcher has since undergone surgery on his back, and performed less than was expected of him when he signed for about $16 million a year. His current employer is now in talks to send him back to the Arizona Diamondbacks, his previous club.

The talks being held by the Yankees and several interested teams, believed to include the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, were confirmed by a baseball official with knowledge of the ongoing development. The Yankees may be eying free-agent starter Barry Zito who is still on the market and is 15 years younger than Johnson. Their subway rivals, the New York Mets are another club seriously interested in acquiring Zito, a situation which may lead to a hike in the salary he would make in the coming years.

The Yankees` rotation for next season includes Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Chien Ming and Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa. They would like to have Zito, and possibly Roger Clemens if he decides to return to pitching and to New York. The acquisition of Daisuke Matsuzaka by the Boston Red Sox, who completed a mighty rotation this off season, is likely in the Yankees minds as they pursue Zito.