Sporting News staff reports
While the Rangers were in discussions about acquiring third baseman Jorge Cantu, the team attempted a bold move to significantly increase its chances of winning a championship. According to MLB.com, Texas inquired about the availability of Marlins ace Josh Johnson.
The Rangers, who have already acquired catcher Bengie Molina and AL ERA leader Cliff Lee this month, reportedly offered their top three prospects as an entry point to negotiations for Johnson. But they were quickly rebuffed, with the Marlins deeming their ace "unmovable." Johnson, in the first year of a four-year, $39 million contract, is 10-3 with an ERA of that is nearly half a run better than anyone else in the majors.
Johnson had been working on a streak of 13 straight starts of going at least six innings and giving up no more than two runs entering his start Wednesday, when he allowed three runs in seven innings in a no decision.
It is believed that the Marlins want Johnson on their team as they prepare to move into a new stadium in 2012.
Sporting News staff reports
While the Rangers were in discussions about acquiring third baseman Jorge Cantu, the team attempted a bold move to significantly increase its chances of winning a championship. According to MLB.com, Texas inquired about the availability of Marlins ace Josh Johnson.
The Rangers, who have already acquired catcher Bengie Molina and AL ERA leader Cliff Lee this month, reportedly offered their top three prospects as an entry point to negotiations for Johnson. But they were quickly rebuffed, with the Marlins deeming their ace "unmovable." Johnson, in the first year of a four-year, $39 million contract, is 10-3 with an ERA of that is nearly half a run better than anyone else in the majors.
Johnson had been working on a streak of 13 straight starts of going at least six innings and giving up no more than two runs entering his start Wednesday, when he allowed three runs in seven innings in a no decision.
It is believed that the Marlins want Johnson on their team as they prepare to move into a new stadium in 2012.