Randy Johnson

Trades. The complexity is unbelievable, yet the goal is simple. Throughout the years, thousands of trades have taken place. In some situations, a trade works out great for both teams involved. For example, prior to the 2008 season, Josh Hamilton was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Edinson Volquez. Hamilton played fantastically in 2008, hitting .304 with 32 home runs and 130 RBI's, which led baseball.

Let's just be honest, nobody around baseball figured Jonathan Sanchez would be the first San Francisco Giant to throw a no-hitter since 1976.

If anyone was willing to venture a guess, the most likely Giant would be either Tim Lincecum or perhaps Matt Cain. Even double-A prospects Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson were more likely to throw a no-hitter than Jonathan Sanchez.

For the latest edition of the San Francisco Giants Roundtable, we decided to revisit Randy Johnson’s historic accomplishment from a couple weeks ago.

Now that the furor over the Big Unit’s feat has died down and baseball fans have had some calm to digest the latest entrant in the 300 Wins Club, we took a look at whether RJ will be the last pitcher so blessed, what it meant to the Gents, how the big lefty’s signing has worked out for the franchise, and basically all things Randy Johnson.

Enjoy.

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On Thursday, Randy Johnson won his 300th game, placing him in an elite category with 23 of baseball’s greatest players.

It took the Big Unit 22 seasons to reach this incredible milestone, and he is likely the last pitcher who will reach 300 wins for quite sometime. Among active pitchers, only Jamie Moyer (age 46, 250 wins), and Andy Pettite (age 37, 220 wins), are anywhere near 300 wins, and it is unlikely that either pitcher will have the longevity to reach that mark.

Amid the tribute articles, video montages, and picture slide shows, we are always reminded of Randy Johnson mean streak that made him the force he was in his glory days with the Mariners and Diamondbacks.

The man who has been branded "The Most Intimidating Pitcher of Our Era" wouldn't have even been recognized as he captured his 300th winning against the Washington Nationals in the rain on Thursday night.

It's no longer exactly breaking news that Randy Johnson won his 300th game yesterday.  Such are the perils of living on the Coast—I'm asleep while half the country is having its coffee and reading the morning's headlines.

The warm, sunny days in January and February make that little snag easier to take.

As does the excitement of a mild little earthquake, but that's neither here nor there.

After a postponed game yesterday and a 36 minute rain delay today, history was made as the 45-year-old left handed Randy Johnson got his 300th career win.

After some clutch defense and stingy hitting, the day was complete after Brian Wilson struck out the side in the ninth inning to ensure the 5-1 victory for the Big Unit.

Johnson became the 24th pitcher and sixth left hander in Major League history to accomplish this great feat.

Week Nine Rundown

Randy Johnson takes the headline for week nine with his chase for 300 wins.  He will be taking the mound on Wednesday in Washington against the horrid Nationals.  This will be his first try at reaching the milestone, after a couple tries to get to 299 wins.

Randy Johnson was—and I stress was—one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. He could become the last 300-game winner for a very, very long time in the very, very near future.

And when you consider the circumstances, he certainly appears to deserve a lot better. But when you look deeper, there’s perhaps no more perfect scenario for him to hit that milestone than his first chance.