Who has Room for a Big Unit

July 16, 2004

Bodog.com Sportsbook, Casino and Poker™ has released odds on which team will acquire the services of Randy Johnson.

After pitching a perfect game earlier in the season for the Diamondbacks, they now need to start planning for the future, and Johnson doesn’t seem to factor into those plans.

“I can see yet another Yankees-Red Sox battle brewing with Johnson’s name entering into trade rumors,” said Rob Gillespie, former book manager and respected industry author. “Clearly, for an older player, he still has a lot of gas in the tank, and will be able to help any team looking for that last piece in a playoff puzzle.”

The New York Yankees, currently in first, could use another powerhouse pitcher in the rotation. The Yankees are the odds on favorite to acquire Johnson at 8/5 odds. With the Anaheim Angels sitting just 2 games back of a playoff birth, the addition of Johnson would aide the quest for continued play in October. The Angels are currently positioned at 3/1 odds. Creeping up behind the Angels are the struggling Boston Red Sox at 5/1 odds, and the mighty New York Mets are listed at 6/1.

The St. Louis Cardinals have a substantial lead in the standings, however, Johnson will add a little gusto down the stretch. The Cardinals odds to land Johnson are currently listed at 8/1. With the loss of Mark Prior, the Chicago Cubs will be in the market for another starter to fill the vacancy, and Johnson would fill that void nicely. Johnson making the trek to Chicago is listed as the long shot option for this wager at 10/1 odds.

“Whichever team he goes to, he will increase their chances at the World Series Championship,” said Gillespie. “What team wouldn’t want a pitcher that has thrown multiple no-hitters, and a perfect game?”

View the Randy Johnson Trade prop here.