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| Josh Johnson might have boosted his value with a six-inning, one-hit start Monday vs. the Braves. (Getty Images) |
Turns out the Miami Marlins are keeping some of their talents in South Beach.
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.
Johnson, better than his 6-7 record and 4.14 ERA, impressed scouts and raised his value with a six-inning, one-hit outing his last time out, and in a limited trade market the Marlins are said to be looking for at least three good young piece back (the Rangers-Braves Teixeira deal actually brought five).
The Marlins, disappointing on the field and at the gate in their first year at beautiful Marlins Park, have told people they feel committed to Buehrle, who received a $58 million, four-year contract this winter.
They may feel the same about Reyes. But part of the reasoning for keeping Reyes is said to be that they feel he'll do better now that Ramirez and his questionable attitude are gone.
The Marlins, who opened their sale by trading Sanchez and Infante to the Tigers, are sure to hold on to star power hitter Giancarlo Stanton and are believed very likely to keep Logan Morrison, as well.
Names still being heard as being on the block include right-handed starter Ricky Nolasco and some other who want draw much interest such as reliever Heath Bell and first baseman Gaby Sanchez.
