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		Giants sign a big deal with Big Unit By Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin December 26, 2008

	SAN FRANCISCO--Giants General Manager Brian Sabean announced on Friday the $8 million one year signing of veteran pitcher Randy Johnson to the Giants. Johnson whose negotiations with his former team the Arizona Diamondbacks fell through thus opening an opportunity for the Giants to grab the Bay Area native from Walnut Creek and a former resident of Livermore. "All the right things kind of fell into place with the Giants" said Johnson agent Barry Meister. Sabean was looking for veteran help and he said that would be a boost to the younger pitchers including budding stars Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, "Randy continues to be one of the most intimidating pitchers in baseball today. He commands respect and will have a dramatic influence on the way the 2009 team conducts business." said Sabean. Johnson will join 2002 Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito and Lincecum who picked up his Cy Young Award this past season. The Big Unit has won five Cy Young Awards and has 295 career victories and went 11-10 with Arizona last season. The Oakland A's and General Manager Billy Beane had expressed interest in Johnson but like the Diamondbacks backed out of the bidding war due to the cost. Surprisingly Johnson jumped on the opportunity to join the Giants since he was only offered a one year deal. This could be the 45 year old veteran's last season in baseball depending on how he feels but according to Sabean, Johnson has not slowed down in the least and the team is impressed with what he has done late in his career. Johnson has pitched in Montreal, Seattle, Houston, Arizona, New York and back with Arizona until joining San Francisco for the 2009 season. Johnson noted for his surliness and mood swings will be an interesting study for the San Francisco media. Johnson wanted out of New York after too many "negative articles" were written from time to time about him. Johnson is from the Bay Area and welcomes the chance to come back home and it will be his first time pitching for a Bay Area home team. Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin cover Giants baseball for Sportstalk Radio.