SATURDAY, 5:26pm: Further squashing rumors of a potential Johnson trade, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports hears from two sources close to the situation that the Marlins have no intention of dealing their ace before Opening Day 2010.
8:41am: ESPN's Buster Olney spoke to some rival executives who indicated that they have not yet been told by the Marlins that Johnson is available.
FRIDAY, 7:18pm: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro warns not to buy into the Johnson trade speculation based on what he has heard (via Twitter).
6:20pm: The Marlins are "very willing" to trade Josh Johnson for the right package, according to John Perrotto (via Twitter). Just a few weeks ago, it seemed as though the Marlins intended on signing the 25-year-old ace to a multi-year deal.
The 6'7, 250 lb righty is arbitration eligible and due for a big raise from the $1.4MM he earned last season. Johnson earned a trip to the All-Star game in his best campaign to date, registering a 3.23 ERA with 8.2 K/9.
With a lackluster pool of available free agent starters, what teams should look to acquire Johnson? What, in your mind, would be right package for the young hurler? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments section.
