I recall the deal being announced by Rosenthal and others and then talk of the league having to review it (with the possibility of them nixing it) before it became official, so that matches up with Samson's story as well.
Other than the Yunel part, which might have still been true (Jays were going to dump him anyway so if the Marlins asked for him, AA probably just said no problem), I believe every word of that story. Josh Johnson's career lasted 16 more starts after the trade, of course he failed his f***ing physical. He was the perceived jewel of the trade and he wasn't even healthy. Incredible. Papa Buehrle was the only good part of that trade.