ESPN Insider reports on the future of Josh Johnson pitcher of the Flordia Marlins.  MLBSecrets.com has blogged that Johnson wants a four-year deal, but the Marlins want to give him a three-year deal.  The Texas Rangers have previously offered prospects Justin Smoak and Neftali Feliz in exchange for Johnson, but the Marlins did not move on this opportunity.

ESPN Insider says that Johnson’s agent, Matt Sosnick, is using Zack Greinke’s four-year, $38 million deal from last year a basis for Johnson.  Sosnick wants at least four-years and $42 million.  ESPN believes that these numbers can increase if Seattle’s ace Felix Hernandez gets an extension this winter.  It’s expected that Hernandez could get an extension worth $100 million or more.

If the demands increase, Johnson could be dealt to teams needing starting pitching including the Yankees, Mets and Angels – three teams that missed out on John Lackey and Roy Halladay.  One suggestion is that the Angels part with prospects Travis Rackling and Jordan Walden in order improve their rotation.

The 25 year old Johnson had a 15-5 record with a 3.23 ERA in 2009 with the Marlins.  He’s eligible for arbitration, and should expect a good raise given his success last season.