The Miami Herald is reporting that there is some 'sentiment' within the Marlins front office towards offering ace Josh Johnson a long term deal. Johnson, 25, is not eligble to be a free agent until after the 2011 season. Johnson is 33-15 in 82 career appearances (72 starts). Johnson missed most of 2007 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but has recovered nicely for the Marlins, appearing in his first All-Star game this season.
The Marlins could lock up Johnson for four years, buying out two years of free agency. A deal comparable to Cole Hamels' makes sense. Maybe a four year deal worth around 20 or 22 million dollars, coming out to average salary of about 5 million dollars.