Mystery Disease Kills Thousands
Gay Marriage Vote Puts Heat On Christie
Just days after agreeing to raise payroll, the Marlins have signed pitcher Josh Johnson to a four-year, $39 million extension, according to ESPN. Johnson is coming off of a breakout 2009 campaign in which he racked up a 15-5 record with a 3.23 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 209 innings. All that came before his 26th birthday, which is at the end of this month.
According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, Johnson's got just over three years of service time, which means this deal will buy out his arbitration years plus his first year of free agency. it's very similar to the deal that Zack Greinke signed with the Royals prior to the 2009 season, as ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes.
The one variable for the Marlins here is Johnson's health, as he missed parts of 2007 and 2008 with an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. His excellent 2009 numbers indicate he's recovered completely from that procedure, but health is always a concern for young pitchers.
That aside, locking Johnson up for four years at less than $10 million appears to be a great deal for the Marlins.
Johnson's two full seasons with the Marlins (2006 and 2009) have both been very good and his FIP (an ERA analogue calculated from strikeouts, walks, and home runs, the three outcomes pitchers have the most control over) in 2009 was 3.06, fourth best in the National League.
The Marlins now have him locked up for what should be his prime seasons.
Sometimes, spending a little cash is a good idea.
How Long Will Santorum's Surge Last?
Washington Gay Marriage Legislation Signed Into Law By Governor Chris Gregoire
House GOP Offers Deal In Big Fight
Officials Confirm: Prescription Drugs Found In Whitney Houston's Room
Obama Budget Signals Shift From Austerity Measures To Campaign Promises
Feds Recover Record Number Of Health Care Fraud Judgments
U.S. Green-Lights Google's Massive $12.5 Billion Purchase
Syrian Rebels Fight Off Attack On Key Town
Downgraded: Moody's Cuts Credit Ratings Of Italy, Portugal And Spain
Republicans Slam Obama Birth Control Rule, Ignoring State Contraception Mandates
WATCH: Fox News Pundit's Disturbing Comments About Rape
Monsanto Guilty Of Chemical Poisoning Of French Farmer
Pressure Mounts On Mortgage Giants To Pursue Principal Reductions
Topless Protesters Target 'Gas Gangsters'
WATCH: 25 Million Tons Of Japan Tsunami Debris Headed Directly Our Way
WATCH: Anderson Cooper's Hilarious Adventures With Adele
WATCH: Bill Maher Rips GOP Concept Of 'Elites'
When Will The New iPad Be Announced?
Wall Street Fears Volcker Rule Will Force Testosterone Monitoring
Huff TV: WATCH: Arianna Weighs In On Tony Bennett's Call To Legalize Drugs
WATCH: CPAC's 'Best In Show'
Obama's Birth Control Rule Will Hurt Homeless Veterans, Warns GOP Congressman
