As mentioned last night, it looks like the Yankees and Diamondbacks have completed the deal for Randy Johnson.

But for all intents and purposes, the most-anticipated trade of the offseason is complete. The Bombers will send Vazquez, Brad Halsey, Dioner Navarro and the $9 million, which will be paid out in increments over the next couple of years, to the D-Backs in exchange for the five-time Cy Young winner that George Steinbrenner has coveted for years.

The inclusion of Navarro, a 20-year-old catcher, was critical since the D-Backs -- who already have a premier catching prospect in Koyie Hill -- also are looking to trade for Dodgers slugger Shawn Green. Navarro was a player the Dodgers specifically requested when they got involved in three-way talks with the Yanks and Arizona last week, ultimately backing out at the 11th hour of the blockbuster exchange that included Green, Brad Penny, Vazquez and Johnson.

The big difference (as far as the Yankees are concerned) is that Brad Halsey is going instead of Eric Duncan. I really don't like it when the Yankees trade young lefties with good strikeout rates. I didn't like the Al Leiter deal, I didn't like the Ted Lilly deal. But the Yankees are no longer in the mode of the early 1990's where they are willing to sit back and let their prospects develop. They want to win today. And with Johnson, they have a pitcher capable of dominating any opponent. The Yankees could wind up 15 to 20 games over .500 when Johnson pitches this season; it's fairly easy to make the playoffs when you just have to be a bit over .500 in 80% of your games.

The Yankees and Johnson will negotiate a two-year extension; does that mean he'll get this year and another year, or two more years on the existing contract? I know the Big Unit is great, but that's a lot of money for a 40+ year old.

And it appears the DBacks will turn Vazquez and Navarro around, so the trade will end up looking a lot like the original deal with the exception of Vazquez ending up on the east coast. Until those deals are complete, it's difficult to judge this trade for Arizona.

But the value of this trade for the Yankees hinges on Johnson's health. If they win the World Series this season, it will go a long way toward justifying the deal. If they get a couple of more good seasons out of Randy, then it's fine. But if Johnson breaks down and Halsey is solid, it will have been a colossal waste of money and talent.

Monday April 4 is the Yankees home opener vs. the Red Sox. Schilling probably won't be ready. So it looks like the weekend of May 27th is the earliest they can face each other. And since the clubs not only open, but close the season against each other what could be better than Johnson and Schilling on the last day of the season for a playoff spot? It's going to be another fun year on the I-95 corridor.