The Rift Between Josh Johnson and the Florida Marlins Grows

Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson is really not happy these days.

According to a report by Miamicityofchamps.com , Johnson is “beyond pissed” that the Marlins offered free agent Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman a five-year deal.

“We’re told that Johnson is upset because David Samson and the Marlins front office has always said that they refrain from offering five-year contracts to pitchers, and now it has gone public that the team is offering Chapman a five-year deal, and they were hesitant to give JJ even a four-year deal with no team options.”

We’re also told that the Marlins have angered Johnson to the point that he is close to setting a hard-line stance and refusing to accept any offer the Marlins throw at him, and simply waiting two years until he is a free agent.”

If the Marlins’ stance on five-year contracts to pitchers is true, then I have no idea why the Marlins are taking such a hard stance with Johnson. I would think that with a new stadium on the way, the Marlins would want to start locking up their young talent.

Why the Marlins would offer Chapman a five-year deal and not a proven commodity like Johnson is confusing. I personally think Johnson is one of the top five pitchers in the National League.

My guess this ends like another fireballing righty named Josh ended with the Marlins: with a trade.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg