Jayson Stark: Marlins Expected to Keep Josh Johnson

[Erick]

I'm becoming a believer in Ruggiano at least for LF next year. I really like the way he covers ground in the OF.

I hope our OF is way more athletic next year. No more Logan Morrison/Greg Dobbs experimenting.

[lou]

I'm becoming a believer in Ruggiano at least for LF next year. I really like the way he covers ground in the OF.

I hope our OF is way more athletic next year. No more Logan Morrison/Greg Dobbs experimenting.

His BABIP screams a .260 hitter, but that might be pretty solid in its own right with his neutral/above average defense and solid base running. Let's see how he does for 2 months, but it wouldn't hurt to get him a platoon partner for healthy competition.

[tr305]

Calm down Fritz, I know you are upset but you sound like a whiny little ho right now.

[dim]

Unlike the Hanley deal, all the indications are we are going to get a really nice deal in a JJ offer.

Still, I'm more inclined to keep him than to trade him. But if we can get Olt and Perez...man is that a hard combination to turn down.

I remember when JJ was at the top of his game, and the Rangers just casually offered Smoak and Feliz during the Winter Meetings. At the time of that offer, that was a deal that would've been REALLY hard to turn down...and the Marlins didn't even give it a second thought. Oh, how things have changed...

[Bobbob1313]

For discussions' sake, here are the 3B currently in the Baseball America midseason top 50:

Mike Olt, Rangers (11)
Nick Castellanos, Tigers (12)
Nolan Arenado, Rockies (17)
Miguel Sano, Twins (22)
Matt Davidson, Diamondbacks (33)
Jedd Gyorko, Padres (50)

So, Olt is probably the only real fit.
--------------------
I guess throw in Matt Davidson and Arizona too?

[tjfla]

If JJ goes to Texas Mike Olt is in the deal. We have already told them that

They are waiting to find out what Philly is gonna do with Lee and if they are keeping him,JJ is the target.

Just gotta wait and see what Philly is gonna do tho because if Lee is available Texas is prepared to trade Olt and others for him

[Miamarlin21]

Would we want Perez and not Martin, who is a center fielder?

[Erick]

I'd rather have Martin, honestly.

[Bobbob1313]

I probably would too. Olt + Martin seems very cool. If they wanted to throw in Alfaro, all the better?

[lou]

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, an official who spoke with the Marlins estimated that the odds of the club keeping Josh Johnson are at "95 percent."
Johnson is reportedly drawing interest from the likes of the Angels, Rangers, Blue Jays and Orioles, but the Marlins are only willing to move him for a "monster return." Stark cites another executive, who was told by the Marlins that they'll only deal Johnson for a package centered around "a young, star-caliber player who isn't arbitration-eligible." The 28-year-old right-hander is making $13.75 million this season and will be paid the same salary next year.

....

[Anonymous]

Would we want Perez and not Martin, who is a center fielder?

I'm not the biggest fan of Perez, do Martin. There two best prospects,IMO.

[Miamarlin21]

Olt, Martin and Tanner Scheppers or Barret Loux?

[emkayseven]

Doubt Texas would move Leonys. They paid him a $5 million signing bonus and what, like $5 or $6 million in additional payroll? That's wasted money if they trade him.

[jOOj]

He can't pitch. Youneverknow?

[MiamiHomer]

Turns out the Miami Marlins are keeping some of their talents in South Beach.

The selling Marlins are seeking a "Teixeira-like" package for top young starter Josh Johnson, so unless the requests are lowered there is no guarantee he'll join Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante and Hanley Ramirez as ex-Marlins. Plus, they're telling teams Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle are off-limits altogether.

Johnson, better than his 6-7 record and 4.14 ERA, impressed scouts and raised his value with a six-inning, one-hit outing his last time out, and in a limited trade market the Marlins are said to be looking for at least three good young piece back (the Rangers-Braves Teixeira deal actually brought five).

The Marlins, disappointing on the field and at the gate in their first year at beautiful Marlins Park, have told people they feel committed to Buehrle, who received a $58 million, four-year contract this winter.

They may feel the same about Reyes. But part of the reasoning for keeping Reyes is said to be that they feel he'll do better now that Ramirez and his questionable attitude are gone.

The Marlins, who opened their sale by trading Sanchez and Infante to the Tigers, are sure to hold on to star power hitter Giancarlo Stanton and are believed very likely to keep Logan Morrison, as well.

Names still being heard as being on the block include right-handed starter Ricky Nolasco and some other who want draw much interest such as reliever Heath Bell and first baseman Gaby Sanchez.

Marlins want huge package for Johnson and won't trade Reyes or Buehrle