Charles Johnson played baseball at the University of Miami before he was snagged by the Marlins in the first round of the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft. Johnson became just the fourth catcher to win a gold glove award at the catcher position in his rookie season. Johnson caught Al Leiter’s no-hitter in 1996 and Kevin Brown’s in 1997. CJ was traded in the 1998 season but was back to catch his third no-hitter with the Fish when A.J. Burnett tossed one in 2002.

Ivan Rodriguez’s career with the Marlins is much easier to summarize. Rodriguez signed a one year deal with the Marlins at about $10 million, though much of the contract was deferred. Rodriguez was slotted in the three hole for the Fish much of the season and was a major contributor to the teams success that season.

That is all for the background on those players. For the purpose of this poll, please leave out the fact that Johnson was on the Marlins for a much longer tenure then Rodriguez. Let’s take a look at how each players seasons compared to each other statistically.

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In financing construction of the parking garages, the city agreed to lease all 5,700 spaces to the Marlins at the cost of $10 a spot. Although out of line with the city’s regular practices, the contract stipulates that the city, and not the team, is responsible for all taxes on the garages. According to the Sun-Sentinel, however, municipal properties in Miami-Dade County are only exempt from property taxes if used exclusively for public purposes. By building garages for use by a private organization, the city was taking on an extra tax bill that it had not prepared for. Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado (who opposed the stadium deal as city commissioner) has said that parking revenue alone will not cover the increased costs. The cash strapped city will instead have to draw funds from its budget.

County officials, who played no part in the city’s negotiations with the team, seem bewildered by the city’s decision to take on tax liability. Miami-Dade County property appraiser Pedro Garcia told the Sun-Sentinel that he had “rarely if ever” seen a similar clause in a leasing contract. Garcia also noted that “when they [the city] did the contract, there was no conversation with the property appraiser.” So while it seems unbelievable that the city would sign such an agreement, they might have done so without checking whether or not they would have to pay taxes!

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Joe Capozzi says the Marlins still hope to sign Jose Reyes and either Wilson or Mark Buehrle. It’s also possible they’ll try to sign both left-handed pitchers. If the Marlins did sign all three players, that would be a very impressive off-season. I would expect the Marlins to open up the trade market for Ricky Nolasco or the player not under contract next season, Anibal Sanchez. This would be a potential look at the Marlins rotation in 2012:

1. Josh Johnson
2. C.J. Wilson
3. Mark Buehrle
4. Anibal Sanchez/Ricky Nolasco
5. Chris Volstad/Wade LeBlanc/Alex Sanabia

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