3:25 PM EDT UPDATE - Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the Marlins are seeking a package similar to the one the Texas Rangers received for Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves, which included Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Beau Jones.
The selling Marlins are seeking a "Teixeira-like" package for top young starter Josh Johnson, so unless the requests are lowered there is no guarantee he'll join Anibal Sanchez, Omar Infante and Hanley Ramirez as ex-Marlins. Plus, they're telling teams Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle are off-limits altogether.
9:30 AM EDT - The Miami Marlins may not be having a fire sale after all. Though ace right-hander Josh Johnson is drawing interest from several clubs, the Marlins' current plans are to retain the starting pitcher, reports Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.
If the feeling around the club on Wednesday is any indication, Johnson isn’t going anywhere. The Marlins, right now, are planning on retaining Johnson.
The Marlins would reportedly like to hang on to the tall right-hander for two reasons: ace starters are an incredibly difficult commodity to come by and he is under contract through 2013. Johnson is having a bit of a down year by his standards, but he is only owed $13.75 million next season, significantly less than the $40 million that was owed Hanley Ramirez over the next two seasons.
While there is still a chance that Johnson will be moved for the right offer, Miami is not actively shopping him. The list of those making inquiries on the right-hander includes the Rangers, Angels, Blue Jays, Red Sox, White Sox and Royals.
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Is Miami better off keeping Josh Johnson?
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