Marlins Making "Strong Push" For Nationals Nick Johnson

by Matt Buggenhagen on Jul 30, 2009 7:08 PM EDT Comment 2 comments

The Marlins are making a "strong push" for Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, this according to Ken Rosenthal and John Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com

The duo notes that the teams have had extensive conversations, but have been unable to agree on the players the Nationals would get in return.

Among the names being discussed are Class AA left-hander Aaron Thompson and Class AAA right-hander Ryan Tucker.

Johnson, 30, is due roughly $1.8 million for the remainder of the season, and essentially would be a three-month rental for the Marlins.

All reports have indicated that the Marlins were desperately seeking adding another reliever, so this recent report comes as a bit of a surprise.

Johnson is batting .295 this season with six homers and 44 RBI's, which isn't far off from the Marlins current first baseman Jorge Cantu, who's batting .285 with 10 homers and 57 RBI's.

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Tracy Ringolsby reports that the Rockies are also inquiring on Johnson

Chris Iannetta status: DOOM
Seth Smith status: FREE SETH SMITH
Matt Murton status: Prisoner Exchanged for CarGon
Mike McCoy status: FREE MIKE MCCOY

by Andrew Martin on Jul 30, 2009 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rockies?? Marllins?

I can’t even imagine why. There’s no DH. Johnson can’t play anywhere else, and neither can Helton. Did I fall into a news-void for a day and miss breaking news that Helton is out for the season?

Florida being interested in a 2 month rental is almost as baffling. Cantu’s a different type of player, but arguably as effective. Johnson’s still an on base machine, but Cantu has provided more power.

If Johnson hadn’t been a FA next season, the Giants would have been better off targeting him than Garko. But I’m not sure what contending team might want Johnson. Loney’s been a bit disappointing this season, but I dont’ think Johnson is enough of an upgrade to sit and possibly damage Loney’s confidence. Atlanta could use an upgrade, but I think they’re a long shot to buy a rental.

by 18 Mile on Jul 30, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs