After dealing Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez on Monday, it's clear that the Miami Marlins are looking to shake things up, after a disappointing first half in their new ballpark. Rumors have been circulating that the Marlins are willing to deal anybody -- including Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson.
According to Evan Grant, the Rangers sent a scout to watch Johnson pitch on Monday night.
Miami's Josh Johnson through 4 tonight: No hits, 6 Ks vs. Atlanta. ... And, I'm told, Rangers have a scout at the game.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) July 24, 2012
Johnson was excellent, striking out nine over six innings of work. Johnson allowed just one hit while walking none.
Though it's no guarantee the Marlins move Johnson, he's certainly a very attractive trade candidate. Johnson is signed through 2013, and he'll make $13.75 million dollars in 2013 -- the same as his 2012 salary.
Rangers fans and brass alike might prefer trading for Johnson over Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels because he's under contract through 2013, but Johnson's injury history is quite scary. Additionally, he'll likely cost more in terms of prospects because he's signed through next year.
It's clear that the Rangers will make some move in the wake of Colby Lewis' elbow injury, but what they'll do is still unknown.