Steinbrenner still eyeing Johnson for stretch drive

The Yankees may need a third team to seal the deal.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Despite Jose Contreras' strong performance on Tuesday, the New York Yankees are still uncomfortable with the state of their starting rotation. In George Steinbrenner's eyes, Randy Johnson would change that.
The lanky lefty ace started for the Diamondbacks at home against the Giants on Tuesday night, in what could be his last outing in Arizona.
In The Boss' perfect world, the Yanks would trade for Johnson in time for this weekend's series at Fenway Park, allowing the Big Unit to make his Bombers debut against the rival Red Sox.
That probably won't happen, but it's no secret the Yankees are at the front of the line for Johnson's services.
The question, however, is do they have enough quality prospects to give cash-strapped Arizona in exchange for the five-time Cy Young award winner?
"I really don't think so," said one baseball executive who has evaluated the Yankee farm system. "There's a lot of hype about their top guys, but I really don't know that any of them are attractive enough to get a pitcher like [Johnson]."
If the Diamondbacks agree that catcher Dioner Navarro and infielder Robinson Cano aren't worthwhile, the Yankees may need to include a major-league player or else include a third team in the deal. Contreras would be one obvious trading chip, but the Cuban righty has a no-trade clause in his contract.
One such three-way deal, according to reports, could include Angels reliever Ramon Ortiz. One source said Tuesday, however, that a scenario like that is not likely at this time.
Johnson said during the All-Star break that he is interested in waiving his no-trade clause to go only to a legitimate contender, and the Yankees are his top choice.