Randy Johnson Signs With San Francisco Giants | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The San Francisco Giants have reportedly agreed to a one-year, eight-million dollar contract with future Hall-of-Fame pitcher Randy Johnson. Johnson pitched with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2008 season.

Johnson, a Bay Area native, has expressed an interest in pitching close to home. Finally, at the age of 45, he will get the opportunity to do so.

Johnson has accomplished virtually every pitching milestone in his 22-year major league career. He earned five Cy Young awards, including a record-tying four in a row (1999-2002). He led the American League in strikeouts five times as a member of the Seattle Mariners. While with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he earned four more strikeout titles.

Johnson helped the Diamondbacks win the World Series in 2001, splitting the Series MVP honors with Curt Schilling.

Johnson has 295 career victories and is likely to win his 300th career game in 2009. Only 23 pitchers have reached the historic 300-win milestone, all of whom are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Johnson ranks third among active pitchers in victories and has won more games than all but five left-handed pitchers in the history of baseball.

Johnson also could become the second pitcher in the 5000 strikeout club. With 4789 strikeouts, Johnson would need a big season to reach 5000.

The big question remains, however: Does Johnson have anything left to offer?

Absolutely.

Following a dismal 2008 season in which they finished in fourth place with a record of 72-90, the Giants will be desperate to bring fans back to the ballpark. The aging, yet still productive Big-Unit will be able to do just that.

Johnson will likely be the fourth pitcher in the Giants' rotation. Reigning Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum, future All-Star Matt Cain, and Barry Zito, the 2002 American League Cy Young award winner, will create a dangerous rotation for the San Francisco Giants.

With Manny Ramirez likely leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers via free agency, the Giants—aided by their combined total of seven Cy Young awards—have the potential to compete for a division title in the weak National League West.