Is it just me or do the Miami Marlins look more like the 1997 Championship Florida Marlins team that released all of their great players?
The latest on their trade situation is that they would like a "Teixeira-like" package, according to Atlanta Braves' beatwriter Mark Bowman, for pitcher Josh Johnson.
For those fans who do now know what a Teixeira-like package means, well first of all let's make sure we're on the same page.
Bowman is referring to Mark Teixeira, the current slugging first baseman who plays for the New York Yankees.
In 2007 the Braves shipped off prospects to the Texas Rangers in their trade for Teixeira. In that trade they sent three current major leaguers and they were beyond just decent players.
The Rangers received shortstop Elvis Andrus, and pitchers Neftali Feliz and Matt Harrison.
Of course, the thought process is that teams do not know how prospects will pan out in the future. Fast forward to 2010 and 2011,these three players were key pieces in the Rangers' success as they made World Series appearances.
The Braves found themselves without a steady shortstop and a leadoff man, which is something Andrus would have provided. As far as the pitching, Craig Kimbrel took over the closer role, so they are not missing Neftali as much.
Okay, so we get what a "Teixeira-like" package means now.
The Marlins were dying for Josh Johnson to come off the disabled list after going through Tommy John Surgery.
In 20 starts this season he is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA. He has pitched 119.2 innings and has 105 strikeouts, while only issuing 35 walks.
He has value on the market, but nobody wants to give top prospects for a pitcher who just came out of surgery. He is owed over $20 million between 2012-2013 and becomes a free agent in the 2014 season.
The Boston Red Sox were mentioned in rumors regarding Johnson, but they have valuable commodities in their farm system, which the Marlins are more than like to ask for.
Will Middlebrooks, already with major league experience, would be one of the targets. Matt Barnes and Xander Bogaerts from the Red Sox farm system will definitely be on their wish list.
These three guys signify youth and potential, which is something the Marlins value and are interested in.
There are only five days left for the non-waiver trade deadline. If the Red Sox want to better their chances of fighting for a playoff spot, they would like consider this "Teixeira-like" package for a decent starter that could help change things in Boston.