Comments on: Josh Johnson: Should we pay him and how much?

By: Michael Jong

Michael Jong — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:54:33 +0000

Harrison,

Thanks for the good word. I sure hope the team does a good job here.

I never got the impression that the Mariners blew it with Felix, though I don’t follow Seattle all that closely. Where is that sentiment coming from?

Also, great job with SodoMojo, keep up the good work guys.

By: Harrison

Harrison — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:50:30 +0000

Mike,

Very nice break down and good luck!

I hope your F/O takes advantage of this time and dosn’t blow it like the Mariners may have with King Felix.

By: Michael Jong

Michael Jong — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:45:02 +0000

Juan,

I would not be disappointed with $18M, and as you can see, that’s just about where I have him projected. If the Marlins would be willing to do that, they should go for it.

What do you guys think? Are these contracts reasonable? Let me know what you think.

By: Juan C. Rodriguez

Juan C. Rodriguez — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:49:41 +0000

Mike,
Having written about JJ and his comps last year, I can tell you his agent definitely is looking for better than the Greinke deal. The 4 for $46M you tossed out there certainly seems reasonable. My guess is Johnson’s agent will be bidding for 4 for $50M or thereabouts.

As far as “market deal,” Matt Sosnick, Johnson’s agent, is talking about the free agent years.

Sosnick and the Marlins both know Johnson is pretty much locked into what he will receive the next two arbitration-eligible seasons. Where Sosnick does not appear willing to bend is on the price for the first two free agent years. He wants the Marlins to compensate Johnson as though he was a free agent, which is probably a little unrealistic considering the player generally gives up a little for the long term security.

That’s where Hanley gave the Marlins a significant discount. He took significant less for those first three free agent years than he would have received on the open market.

For JJ’s 2012 and 2013 seasons, my guess is Sosnick is thinking more along the lines of $18M per.