Josh Johnson Could Change Things Drastically
By Mike Silva ~ November 28th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
Give credit to NYBD contributor and owner of Seven Train to Shea Matt Pignataro . He has been saying all along that Josh Johnson would be made available by the frugal Florida ownership. Although the news today of the Marlins being “very willing” to trade Johnson this is another example of why they need a new owner and city, I rather look at how Josh Johnson could change the landscape of the Roy Halladay discussion.
Simple supply and demand was originally at play here. If there is one lone high end rotation option (Halladay) and 4-5 suitors the thought was Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos could squeeze out the best possible deal for Halladay by pitting the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and others against each other. I have been on record saying that if a younger top of the rotation starter becomes available that is where I would invest my resources. Josh Johnson is exactly that type of pitcher.
Having the choice of trading top prospects I would invest in the younger Johnson. This could shrink the Halladay market and open it up for one of the locals. Say Boston acquires Johnson don’t you think the Yankees package can be downgraded for Halladay. You might not even have to give up Chamberlain or Hughes in that scenario. When it comes to the Mets maybe Mike Pelfrey, rumored to be desired by Toronto, becomes that much more attractive. Better yet, maybe the Yankees and Mets turn their attention to Johnson and try to acquire the young ace.
The fact that Johnson is available is a complete disgrace. With that being said it just makes an already intriguing offseason that much more so.
