No Johnson trade this winter
November 30, 2009, 6:00 am by iYankees · Leave a Comment
On Saturday, after speaking with “two sources with knowledge of the [Marlin's] intentions,” Ken Rosenthal reported that a Josh Johnson trade was highly unlikely. He even cited Johnson’s agent, Matt Sosnick, who, through the use of clever religious reference, made it extremely clear that he didn’t expect his client to be traded this winter. However, despite Rosenthal’s reporting, the Johnson rumors persisted late into Sunday.
For those needing further confirmation that Johnson won’t be traded anytime soon, on Saturday, Florida’s GM, Mike Hill, was a guest on the “Hot Stove Show,” a radio program on 790 The Ticket, and supported Rosenthal’s report released earlier that day. “Yes, I can say with certainty, yes,” Hill said, when asked if Johnson would be on the Marlins next season. “He is a second-time [arbitration-eligible] pitcher,” he added, “who we still have under control for two more years. From that standpoint, he’s going to be here. The strength of this organization is built with our pitching.” While anything is possible in baseball and situations can often change quickly, based on the information available to us, it appears as though the Johnson trade speculation is officially dead (for now). I know, I know, such certainty is so boring.
There are still plenty of other “fish” in the sea, though (e.g., Halladay, Lackey, and perhaps Felix Hernandez)…
Photo via MLB.com
