Jayson Stark: Marlins Expected to Keep Josh Johnson

[Miamarlin21]

I agree, I'd rather get a prospect or two for him, but if he is JJ and we are out of it we can get the same package the Brewers received for Greinke.

[MiamiHomer]

Why?

Because he's already been a major disappointment over his current contract. The injury concerns will always be there and I don't expect the team to be strong enough next year to compete for a playoff spot anyways.

You'll get his best value by Tuesday and, if not then, during the winter meetings since the team that acquires him could still get a pick for him. If he makes it through next year with the Marlins I don't think they will be that high on re-signing for however much he will cost so if you can get younger near MLB ready prospects for him then I think they need to do that.

[Namaste]

Because I don't think he will be with the team past next season if by some chance he isn't moved in the winter.

MH is right.


Sometimes you gotta let go.

Sometimes you gotta release.

I think I'm gonna go smack one out. brb.

[MiamiHomer]

The Marlins are far more concerned about their club beyond 2013 as opposed to 2013 itself, executives who have inquired on Josh Johnson told Passan. Those sources say the Marlins plan to cut payroll next year, after this year's franchise high.

From our favorite Jeff Passan

[emkayseven]

lol

[MiamiHomer]

Here's the whole thing:

3. Josh Johnson perhaps best personified. While the Marlins aren't in full-on dump mode, they're also far more concerned about beyond the 2013 season than next year, according to executives who have inquired about Johnson. Because they plan to cut payroll next year, the executives said, the Marlins are focusing on young, cheap players rather than major-league talent.
And with so few top prospects changing hands – beyond Jean Segura going to Milwaukee in the Zack Greinke deal and the Marlins' acquisition of Jacob Turner – teams are showing more than ever their reticence to part with players under their control for six seasons, even if they're far-from-sure things.
The Marlins understand the market could better serve them this offseason, when Johnson still would represent among the most desirable options beyond free-agent-to-be Greinke, unless, say, Seattle starts to shop Felix Hernandez.
Should Johnson stay put, it thins the pitching market all the more. Cleveland hasn't placed Justin Masterson off-limits, according to CBSSports.com, and Pittsburgh could deal Kevin Correia, who lost his rotation spot after the Wandy Rodriguez trade. There are others, none of whom are impact pitchers, a designation seemingly only …

[fauowls44]

From our favorite Jeff Passan

This is why I hate Jeff Passan. He's only going to report whatever confirms what he already believes about the Marlins. How about a little context. Replacing Anibal and Zambrano, presumably with 2 young, minimum salary starters (Eovaldi and Turner) next year and not having Hanley means that payroll will go down, even if they do go out and sign a couple of free agents. Payroll going down from this season does not mean the team won't be better than this season or they won't spend money.

[Big Z]

Jeff pASSan es un recio mama culo.

[emkayseven]

Now Craig Calcaterra and Rob Neyer will pick it up and run with it

[MiamiHomer]

Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Source:Cliff Lee is in play in trade talks today. Rangers obviously the most logical landing spot, with 3B Mike Olt as possible centerpiece.

crap
--------------------

Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1
Spoke to exec who said Lee traded by 4pm tomorrow or in offseason because #Phillies need youth back plus dollars saved. #Rangers frontrunner

...

[fauowls44]

Where is the national outrage over the Phillies firesale?? Afterall, isn't the very definition of "firesale" a disappointing team trading away expensive parts that aren't helping them win for prospects? Where is Jeff Passan to rip them to shreds?

[MiamiHomer]

Well they just gave 144mil to a pitcher.

[fauowls44]

Well they just gave 144mil to a pitcher.

And we just spent $191 million in the offseason. They are also looking to reduce some payroll and get prospects back in return. What's the difference?

[MiamiHomer]

The difference is one has done the "fire sale" twice in the past and the other has a history of mass spending. I don't agree with people saying it's a fire sale for the Marlins this year but you sort of have to deal with it.

[Big Z]

Didn't Lee reject more $ from TX to sign with PHI?