The Seattle Mariners say that shortstop Alex Rodriguez and outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. won't be traded, but pitcher Randy Johnson is another story. There couldn't be any more riding on a possible trade. First, Mariners fans still smart from the team trading outfield prospect Jose Cruz Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays for second-half bullpen help. If the Mariners trade Johnson and his back flares up or he becomes injury-prone, then, the Mariners will look good.
Trouble is, there is no gray area.
Time is also becoming a factor. Johnson would like to be traded before spring training. If he's not and he comes to the Mariners' spring-training camp in limbo, it's going to be a media circus and a type of distraction that Mariners have never had to deal with. The Mariners have been known for their chemistry and keeping their distractions to a minimum, but Johnson's status could change all that. Griffey, Jay Buhner and Dan Wilson are not interested in answering constant speculation about Johnson getting traded.