Back in the days when Randy Johnson was a hated opponent, I liked to refer to him as the "Big Eunuch." He was anything but impotent, however: the 2001 World Series solidified his Yankee-killer status (he was Co-MVP with another hated opponent, Curt Schilling). Johnson has won 5 Cy Young Awards in his career, including 4 in a row between 1999-2002. He is marching toward 300 wins and a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Sometimes I still can't believe he is a Yankee.



Of course, Randy, soon to turn 42, is not the same pitcher he was when he was reeling off all those Cy Youngs. He's lost a mile or two off his fastball, he gives up more than his share of dingers, and his ERA has hovered near 5 all season (though it's been sinking steadily of late).

But this version of Randy Johnson is in some ways better than ever. That's because his early struggles in the first half of 2006 has finally convinced him that he isn't the young flamethrower he once was. He's accepted that fact and moved on, adjusted, become craftier, using his experience to get the outs he needs, without relying on the strikeout. But a funny thing has happened since he's made that adjustment. He's throwing shutout innings, and striking out batters again. Maybe it's just a case of his creaky back feeling good; I think it's mental. He's found his place in the rotation, feels comfortable on the mound, and has learned to trust his catcher, Jorge Posada.

It couldn't happen at a better time.

With the post-season fast approaching, Johnson may become what the Yankees hoped for when they acquired him: an ace to get them over the hump, and bring a World Championship back to the Bronx.

His record is now 16-10, with a 4.76 ERA, and 153 strikeouts. And believe it or not, he actually has a shot at 20 wins. Depending on health, and how Joe Torre sets up his rotation for the post-season, Johnson will have 4 or 5 remaining starts to reach that goal.

Here's hoping the Big Unit comes up big.