Yankees in talks to trade Johnson

Randy Johnson could be leaving the New York Yankees after only two seasons.

The Yankees have started trade talks with several teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, although it is too early to tell whether the discussions will lead to a deal.

Talks were confirmed Monday by a baseball official who had knowledge of them and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are in the preliminary stage. The Yankees’ discussions with the Diamondbacks, Johnson’s former club, were first reported by the New York Post and the Star-Ledger of New Jersey.

Alan Nero, one of Johnson’s agents, said Monday he was informed of trade talks by Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman.

“I just had one conversation with Brian, and that’s it. As far we know, there’s nothing going on significant enough for us to become a part of it,” Nero said. “I think Brian is just doing his job.”

Johnson has a no-trade clause, meaning the 10-time All-Star must approve any deal. Nero said it was too early to say whether Arizona would be the pitcher’s first choice if the Yankees do decide to trade the 43-year-old left-hander.

“We haven’t discussed it, to be honest,” Nero said. “This idea that Randy doesn’t want to come back, that’s not exactly true. I’m not aware of anything coming from our side that would force this. Whatever comes down, comes down, but it’s not because Randy has demanded it or because we’re participating in the process.”

Johnson is owed $16 million next year, the final season of his contract, with $1.5 million deferred without interest and payable through 2010.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Brennan is unsure of plans for next season

After breaking the NCAA single-season touchdown record, Colt Brennan isn’t sure he’s ready to take a shot at the NFL just yet.

So far, Brennan says he’ll return to Hawaii for his senior season of eligibility unless an NFL team indicates it will select him with a high draft pick.

“Right now, I’m planning on coming back next year,” Brennan said.

Brennan broke the NCAA record for touchdown passes with 58 in Hawaii’s 41-24 victory over Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl on Sunday night.

He finished with five touchdowns, one interception and completed 33 of 42 passes for a team-record 559 yards.

“The NFL or whoever is really going to have to present something to get me. If not, I’m just going to come back and enjoy myself,” said Brennan, who finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.

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MISCELLANY

Woods is winner of AP male athlete of year

Tiger Woods was voted the Associated Press male athlete of the year.

Woods won the award over San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, with tennis great Roger Federer third. Woods, 31, won for the fourth time in his career, tying the record set by Lance Armstrong, who won the last four years.

Woods received 260 points from sports editors. Tomlinson, who already has set an NFL record of 31 touchdowns with one regular-season game left, was second with 230 points. Federer, who won three Grand Slam titles and lost in the final at the French Open, had 110 points.

Rounding out the top of the list were Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (40 points) and St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols and National League home run champion Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies (20 points each).