Jayson Stark: Marlins Expected to Keep Josh Johnson

[TheMendozaLine]

It's pretty clear who holds the leverage here. The Marlins have no choice but to trade JJ by the deadline, while the Rangers can afford to sit around and acquire a frontline starter in the offseason.

Oh . . .

[Erick]

Love to see what happens if we eat $5 mil off his salary next year. All of a sudden he might become more attractive.

More teams I'll be interested, which could mean someone over pays due to excessive demand.

You do realize that the worst case scenario here is that we keep a pretty good pitcher, right?

[jOOj]

If he continues to get away from the bloopfest of the first month and build a strong season overall, his value next year would be even higher. There is no problems in keeping him as long as the other issues get filled somehow. We just aren't likely to get an Olt by dealing the likes of Nolasco.

[MiamiHomer]

Or he could have another health set back. I think if JJ isn't traded and be makes it through the rest of the season that he is going to be moved in the winter meetings.

[Erick]

His value next year is probably not going to be higher because he becomes a free agent after the 2013 season.

[MiamiHomer]

Which is why if he doesn't get moved by Tuesday, I don't see any way how he doesn't get moved in the Winter. I don't think Miami intends to lock him up long term.

[jOOj]

Get some Olt.

[Big Z]

Texas is going to make the WS and lose again. They need to resolve their weakness. Same thing Marlins did in '03 with U.U.U and look how that ended.

[Valid]

Which is why if he doesn't get moved by Tuesday, I don't see any way how he doesn't get moved in the Winter. I don't think Miami intends to lock him up long term.

If he makes it through this season healthy, then if this team is serious about winning, it will (should) make an effort to lock him up long term.

[MiamiHomer]

With Marlins big righthander Josh Johnson you hear two different stories about how much the Marlins are seeking.

In one story, the Marlins want a "Teixeira-like'' package for Johnson, a reference to the enormous package the Braves gave up to Texas for Mark Teixeira.

In another, they want a "Colon deal,'' meaning the mega trade where the Indians got Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips for Colon.

In either case, the Marlins might have to do a little fancy talking to get there, despite his most recent start where he pitched six one-hit innings and struck out none Braves in a 2-1 victory.

The Rangers, who want a frontline starter, are said not to be seriously involved after checking in, as they have a concern about his velocity, and MLB.com also poiinted to an additional concern about his unflattering home-road split.

"He still doesn't have the same velocity as in the past,'' said an executive with another interested team. "Teams are going to have to give them help now and really pay for it if they want him.'

Several other teams, including the Orioles, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Royals and White Sox have been tied to Johnson, and the Marlins may benefit by the need oustripping the supply.

But others have noted how upset folks in the Miami area are to see three veterans, including Hanley Ramirez, traded already, and wondered whether marlins people would risk further annoying the home crowd.

Which means that if they trade Johnson, to appease the fans they might have to get an enormous package that's been decsribed, one that's beyond what a pitcher with a 6-7 record and 4.14 ERA warrants.

Marlins seek "Colon deal'' for Josh Johnson, but his numbers and velocity raise flags
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If he makes it through this season healthy, then if this team is serious about winning, it will (should) make an effort to lock him up long term.

I don't think so. I would think they feel like the current deal they got him in is a disappointment with him basically missing 2 seasons already and I don't imagine him signing for something less when his deal expires and I would find it hard to see the Marlins giving him a similar deal again.

[Miamarlin21]

I have a feeling he'll go to Chicago. The White Sox really, really wanted Greinke and missed it. It'll be like a few years ago when they randomly got Jake Peavy.
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On second thought, they have no interesting prospects. I still would be down for Jackie Bradley Jr, Barnes and Garin Cecchini.

[lou]

Chi Sox just got Liriano. Not that they were ever really "rumored" on JJ, but one less pitcher and team.

[dim]

It's Texas or he's staying imo. Orioles aren't giving up Machado/Bundy, Dodgers don't match up prospect wise, the Blue Jays only make sense if they're willing to give up that catcher of there's, and the other teams haven't been mentioned as serious players.

If Texas is willing to give up Olt, I think a deal will get done before the deadline. If they don't, then we keep JJ and hopefully sign him to an extension (hopefully a team friendly one with him coming off a meh season).

From everything I've read, Olt is the deal breaker. I think the Marlins are hoping that they sweat as the deadline gets closer and pull the trigger. As I said when this rumor started, it's win win for the Marlins.

[Jay]

It's Texas or he's staying imo. Orioles aren't giving up Machado/Bundy, Dodgers don't match up prospect wise, the Blue Jays only make sense if they're willing to give up that catcher of there's, and the other teams haven't been mentioned as serious players.

I think that you are forgetting that plenty of trades happen with a team that hasn't been linked to the player.

[Bobbob1313]

Orioles just got Blanton.

Or not. Orioles beat writer tweeted and then deleted.