Cole Hamels signed an extension, Zack Greinke was traded to the Angels, and Matt Garza won't pitch until after the trade deadline. Right-hander Josh Johnson is arguably the best starting pitcher left on the market, and the Marlins reportedly seek a Mark Teixeira-like package in return. Here are today's Johnson rumors, with the latest up top…
- The Rangers and Angels have backed away from Johnson because they view his $13.75MM price tag as high considering his health history, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com tweets.
- Some officials are telling Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (via Twitter) that the Marlins want more for Johnson than the Brewers got for Greinke.
- The Marlins are open-minded about dealing Johnson and plan to weigh the offers as they come in, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com.
- The Rangers do not appear to be high on Johnson according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. They value his makeup and character, but are concerned about his health and sizable home/road split. Texas is still in talks, however.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
“The Rangers do not appear to be high on Johnson…”
hahaha…that wouldn’t be posturing, now, would it? if ur not high on him, then why are you trying to land him?
Definitely posturing going on. T.R. has long been used for smoke screens. The only realistic interpretation I’d say is they are interested but not valuing him right now as a sure bet ace. The rumored demands from Miami would seem they are treating the situation likes he been pitching like a few years ago.
Not High because the Marlins are trying to pretend Johnson doesn’t have shoulder issues? Worth the risk if the price is reasonable, but since the price it crazy, of course they are not high on him any longer.
If Marlins take a Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, and Edward Salcedo for Josh Johnson deal, then I would pull the trigger, more than that is unacceptable
“The Rangers do not appear to be high on Johnson”
With the package the Marlins want, you would be high to trade for him.
The Rangers have to keep up with the Jones’s in this case the Jones’s are the Angels. They need to do something I don’t think they can discount either the Angels or Oakland the way they are playing as real contenders for the AL West Division.
They have a 4 game lead and arent even healthy. Panicking for JJ and overpaying is exactly what they shouldnt be doing
Considering the way the Angels played in April going 9-15 versus the Rangers 17-7 during that same period a 4 game lead at this junction of the season doesn’t seem all that safe. And that’s with both Haren and Santana both having down seasons so far for the Angels. And that’s not even talking about how well the Athletics are playing.
I agree, but I am really starting to think that Oakland is going to be an issue. The Angels have a solid rotation and one that appears designed for post season. Their lineup has developed quite well even if Boojols has not been stellar. They better do it this season, because their funds are tied up for quite a while…
That said, the Rangers have a competent rotation up front for the post season as well and a stellar defense. IF they can ever get their bats consistent, then they have a solid shot as well.
This will be a race to the end for sure. Glad I have tickets for the final Rangers vs Angels game on the last day of the season…might be needed.
When trout was recalled on 4/28 the angels were 7-14, and the Rangers 16-5 9 games. since then, the Angels have gone 48-31. the Rangers are 42-35. Add Grienke to that.
4 games is nothing, and the WC is a 1 game playoff. You trust Darvish, Harrison, or Holland in a 1 game playoff against Verlander, or Sale, or Price, et al?
The division is very much up in the air.
You cant assume that your ace will be rested to start the playoff game. The games leading up to the playoff will be just as crucial in getting one of the spots. Are you going to rest Verlander in a must win game #161?
I agree, I think the Rangers need to do something, even if it’s not JJ. They’ve stagnated a little bit while the A’s and Angels have been coming on really strong. Right now, I think the Angels will eventually take over first place unless the Rangers make a move.
Still have a feeling JJ ends up a Ranger by the deadline. They’ve been on him for years now.
marlins seek mark teixeira like package w/o offering player nearly as good who doesnt stay healthy.