Johnson lashes out at New York cameraman

NEW YORK -- Randy Johnson got a little physical on the way to his New York Yankees physical.

The Big Unit got into a confrontation on a Manhattan sidewalk with a television cameraman Monday, then apologized in a statement released later in the day.

Johnson passed all exams Monday, but the Yankees awaited results of blood and other tests that needed more time. Still, New York went ahead and scheduled a news conference for Tuesday afternoon to announce the completion of its drawn-out trade with Arizona. In a deal agreed to on Dec. 30, the Yankees are sending the Diamondbacks pitcher Javier Vazquez and Brad Halsey, catcher Dioner Navarro and $9 million.

Johnson, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, gets a $32 million, two-year contract extension that runs through 2007.

"Obviously, the acquisition of Randy Johnson is, in more ways than one, a huge addition to our pitching staff," Yankees manager Joe Torre said in a statement released before the news conference. "His accomplishments speak for themselves, but he will also make everyone around him much better."

Vazquez passed his physical with the Diamondbacks on Monday night. Navarro had to take two physicals Monday -- one for Arizona and one for Los Angeles, which is acquiring him as part of a separate deal. The Dodgers are receiving four prospects from the Diamondbacks for outfielder Shawn Green and $10 million. Green and Arizona reached an agreement in principle Sunday on a $32 million, three-year contract, which would allow that trade to be finalized.

Green also passed his physical with Arizona.

A cameraman doesn't want to stop taping, so Randy Johnson simply gives him a hand. (AP)

Johnson got a taste Monday of how much attention star ballplayers can attract in New York. Walking along a Manhattan avenue, he put his long right arm up to block a camera from WCBS-TV after he left his Manhattan hotel.

Johnson, who was accompanied by Yankees director of team security Jerry Laveroni, made contact with the camera, station spokeswoman Audrey Pass said.

"Get out of my face, that's all I ask," Johnson said, according to a video of what occurred, which was posted on the station's website.

"No cameras," Laveroni said.

"Don't get in my face," Johnson then said. "I don't care who you are. Don't get in my face."

"I'm just taking a picture," said the cameraman, identified by the station as Vinny Everett.