D-Backs, Johnson don't reach contract agreement

Meister of Octagon Sports.

"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.

"Consequently, Randy is forced to file for free agency and consider all opportunities to further his career. He hopes to find a team where he can continue to pitch at a high level and contribute to another world championship.

"Randy and his family live in Arizona and he will always be a Diamondback at heart. Most of all, Randy will miss the overwhelming support the fans have shown him throughout the years. He wishes the Diamondbacks great success in 2009 and beyond."

Johnson, 45, was 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 2008, and if it was his last season, he ended it in flashback fashion, pitching a two-hit complete game in a 2-1 victory over Colorado on the final day of the regular season that conjured visions of his brilliant run of four Cy Young awards from 1999-2002 and a 2001 World Series title.

Johnson's present market value, based on his numbers and recent contracts - Seattle gave Carlos Silva a four-year, $48 million deal last year - appears to be at least his $8 million asking price, although his age (45) and health (three back surgeries) mitigate that.

The D-Backs must use some of their cash - believed to be between $10 million and $15 million - to fill a hole at second base, and also must allocate a larger than usual amount to their 2009 draft class.

Because of the large number of free agents the D-Backs will lose, they could have as many eight picks among the first 75 selections next June. That could cost them at least $12 million, based on the 2008 numbers.

"They are separate budgets," Byrnes said, regarding contract and draft expenses, "but all of our budgets are interrelated."

If Johnson does not re-sign with the D-Backs, it is unclear where he will land.

San Diego and the Los Angeles franchises are the nearest geographically, but San Diego appears to be in a cost-saving mode after rescinding an offer to closer Trevor Hoffman and actively seeking to trade Jake Peavy.

The Dodgers will lose free agent starter Derek Lowe and did not pick up an option on Brad Penny, but their first matter of business appears to be re-signing Manny Ramirez. The Angels have a young staff that despite the loss of Jon Garland does not appear to need tweaking.

The Bay Area teams - Johnson is from Walnut Creek, Calif. - do not appear interested in paying Johnson's asking price.