Claire: Johnson Deal Not Close

Dodger Executive Vice President Fred Claire responded to published reports in the Seattle Times on Friday that the Dodgers and Seattle Mariners are working on a multiplayer deal that would send left-hander Randy Johnson to the Dodgers in exchange for right-hander Ismael Valdes and two other players.

“I wouldn’t term anything there as being close in any way,� Claire said. “Very frankly, I don’t expect to make any trade with the Mariners or any significant moves before the start of spring training.�