Johnson, Burnett file for free agency

Nov 14, 2008 - 12:33 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- One day before the beginning of the free-agent signing period, a pair of high-profile pitchers officially have hit the open market.

Arizona Diamondbacks lefthander Randy Johnson and Toronto Blue Jays righthander A.J. Burnett filed for free agency on Thursday.

While it was little more than a formality for Burnett, who opted out of the last two years of his contract last week, Johnson's filing came only after a lengthy effort to remain with the Diamondbacks, the team with which he has spent eight of his 21 major league seasons.

According to a written statement released through his agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, Johnson met with Diamondbacks officials earlier this week to try to hammer out a new contract. The future Hall of Famer said he even would take as much as a 50 percent pay cut in order to remain with the franchise.

However, nothing could be worked out between Johnson and the budget-restrained Diamondbacks.

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

Johnson, who was named co-MVP of the 2001 World Series after Arizona defeated the New York Yankees in seven games for its lone world championship, may be more interested in another achievement. The 45-year-old is five victories away from the 300 mark, owning a 295-160 career record with two saves, 100 complete games, 37 shutouts and a 3.26 ERA in 596 games - including 10 relief appearances - with the Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Yankees and Diamondbacks.

The flame-thrower is second on the all-time strikeout list with 4,789. Nolan Ryan is the leader with 5,714 strikeouts.

Last season, Johnson went 11-10 with two complete games and a 3.91 ERA in 30 starts.

Burnett, who won a career-high 18 games last season, is expected to command big money on the open market. He signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Blue Jays in December 2005 but opted out of the deal on November 4 with two years and $24 million remaining.

Although he has been nagged by injuries throughout his career, the hard-throwing 31-year-old was healthy for most of 2008. He went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA in 35 games - one relief appearance - and led the American League with 231 strikeouts.