MLB Trade Rumors: Josh Johnson Is Best Option for White Sox to Add Stud Pitcher

With the Chicago White Sox seemingly in the market for a stud pitcher to bolster their rotation, the Miami Marlins' Josh Johnson should be at the top of their list.

Jayson Stark of ESPN recently reported this in regard to interest in Johnson:

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The list of clubs that are likely to make a run at this guy -- or already have -- includes the Red Sox, Angels, Rangers, White Sox, Blue Jays and Royals. But the message they're hearing back from the Marlins is that Johnson is the toughest player on their roster to trade, with the possible exception of Giancarlo Stanton.

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The Marlins have seemingly begun another fire sale. They've already moved Omar Infante, Anibal Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez. According to Stark, Johnson could be the next notable Marlin shipped out.

The White Sox have reportedly inquired about Zack Greinke's availability, per Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. 

But I believe that Johnson would be the better option.

If you simply look at the two men on paper, then Greinke would get the edge. He's 9-3 this year, and he has a 3.44 ERA. Johnson is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA, but these are regular season numbers.

The White Sox' purpose for acquiring these pitchers would be to strengthen the rotation for the pennant race and in the playoffs.

Greinke has seemingly flourished in smaller-market cities, and I question if he would be comfortable or as effective in a major market like Chicago. That dynamic would only be more emphasized in a pennant race.

In the postseason last year, Greinke was not very good for the Brewers. He had a 6.48 ERA in three starts, and he allowed 23 hits in only 16 innings pitched.

Johnson is a powerful and confident presence on the mound, and he's nasty when he's healthy. This has been a down year for Johnson, but a pennant race could invigorate him.

In the last four years combined, Johnson is 35-19, so it isn't as if he hasn't produced in the regular season.

I still believe that Greinke is a very good pitcher. But if I had to chose my target, my cross-hairs would be on Johnson.

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