Josh Johnson clears waivers

[Angrioter]

Josh Johnson clears waivers; chances for a trade unknown

 

Blue Jays starter Josh Johnson has cleared waivers, sources tell CBSSports.com.

 

Johnson, one of the best pitchers in the game a few years back, is now eligible to be traded to any other team -- though, the likelihood of that isn't known as a couple factors could limit the chances for a trade.

 

With the Jays seemingly out of the race, a trade for Johnson -- who showed signs of getting his old form back in his last start -- would seem to make sense. However, there were signs at least earlier that the Jays were thinking of extending Johnson a qualifying offer, which if declined would net them a coveted draft choice. Though, it would still be a surprise if the Jays made a qualifying offer, expected to be close to $14 million, to a pitcher with an ERA over 6, but it is believed they've been weighing that possibility, at least.

 

Johnson makes $13.75 million this year, coincidentally almost exactly what the qualifying offer is expected to be. A claiming team would have been on the hook for about $4 million through the rest of the year.

 

Trade interest in Johnson could be limited by a season in which he is 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA, though he did throw five shutout innings in a 7-2 victory over the Mariners last time out. Johnson's slump this year -- opposing hitters are batting .305 against him -- is stunning. "Every scout would tell you he was one of the two or three best pitchers in the National League a couple years ago,'' one N.L. scout said.

 

Johnson's ERA, 1.64 in a season shortened by injury a couple years ago, rose to 3.81 last year and is up even more this year.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-heyman/23091822/josh-johnson-clears-waivers-chances-for-a-trade-unknown

[jays_fever]

They won't trade him and won't offer arb. Its how the jays like to manage their roster nowadays.

[kgm1]

If they gave JJ a qualifying offer he would have to take it cause NO team would sign him and give up a 1st round pick after this years performance and does anyone want him back at 14 mil ???

The guy has been a disaster for the Jays and fans will be reminded of that every game Miami plays for years .

[Boxcar]

If they gave JJ a qualifying offer he would have to take it cause NO team would sign him and give up a 1st round pick after this years performance and does anyone want him back at 14 mil ???

The guy has been a disaster for the Jays and fans will be reminded of that every game Miami plays for years .

 

I'd love him back at around 8 mil, but like BTS said in another thread, he'll probably be a Ray next year.

[G-Snarls]

i'd love him back at around 8 mil, but like bts said in another thread, he'll probably be a ray and contend for the AL Cy Young next year.

 

ftfy

[Arkadium]

If they gave JJ a qualifying offer he would have to take it cause NO team would sign him and give up a 1st round pick after this years performance and does anyone want him back at 14 mil ???

The guy has been a disaster for the Jays and fans will be reminded of that every game Miami plays for years .

 

If he stays a Jay you just know he'll be bad again, but if he becomes a Tampa Bay Ray, for example, he'll probably become an Ace again.

[Angrioter]

Cubs are the favourite in my mind. Signing good peripheral guys then trading them at the deadline is what they do.

 

ALA AA before new CBA (compensation pick)

[Arkadium]

No chance in hell that Tampa Bay signs him. They don't gamble on expensive projects. He'll go to a big market club if Toronto releases him.

 

It was an example, calm down.