Red Sox Trade Rumors: Boston Shouldn't Deal for Josh Johnson
The Boston Red Sox aren’t in a position to roll the dice on a high-risk, high-reward trade.
According to the latest rumors, the team is interested in dealing for Miami Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson. However, that would be a mistake, because Johnson isn’t nearly enough to catapult this team back into championship contention.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe confirmed the Red Sox's link to Johnson. He tweeted:
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"Red Sox have scouted but are not close on a deal for struggling Marlins righty Josh Johnson
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) July 23, 2012"
Hopefully, for their sake, they don’t get any closer to a deal.
Why?
Danny Knobler of CBS Sports explained why other teams are backing out of the Johnson sweepstakes. He tweeted:
"Angels and now Rangers backed away from Johnson because with his health history, $13.5 mill is not necessarily a bargain price.
— DKnobler (@DKnobler) July 28, 2012"
For a 6-7 starting pitcher with a 4.04 ERA, $13.5 million is a ton of money.
For a pitcher with those numbers that’s failed to start 15 games in three seasons over the past six years, that amount of money is—as Carmelo Anthony would say—ridiculous.
If the Red Sox were in striking distance of the AL East lead and Johnson had the potential to put them over the top, it would be worth the risk to pull the trigger. However, this team is not in striking distance.
The Red Sox are far from it.
Boston is 10.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the division. Currently last in the East, the Red Sox would be lucky to make the playoffs. Sitting 4.5 games back in the wild-card race with six teams in front is not even close.
With the team in that position, why surrender promising prospects and compromise the future to fuel a hopeless attempt to win now?
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Miami won’t even trade Johnson unless they receive an offer that really sparks their interest. Therefore, the Sox would likely have to give up more than Johnson’s value.
Under the given circumstances, he isn’t worth it.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.
