NewsJohnson, Calero file for free agency
Veteran first baseman not expected to return to club
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
11/06/09 8:31 PM EST
MIAMI -- In 35 games, Nick Johnson made an impact with the Marlins. But unless Florida works out a contract with the veteran, those 35 games may be the extent of Johnson's tenure with the organization.Johnson formally filed for free agency on Friday, along with reliever Kiko Calero, who became a valuable performer in the back end of the bullpen.
The filing period began on Thursday, and now all four of Florida's eligible free agents have placed themselves in position to test the market. Reliever Brendan Donnelly and first baseman Ross Gload filed on Thursday.
By league rule, the Marlins hold exclusive negotiating rights with all four through Nov. 19. If no deal is reached by then, the players can talk with all 30 teams.
Chances are that Johnson will not be back in 2010.
Johnson made $5.5 million this year, and his asking price per season projects to at least be in that range, which makes it doubtful the money-conscious Marlins will sign him.
The same holds true for Calero, who earned $500,000 in 2009 but projects to make well over $1 million.
Still, the Marlins could receive Draft compensation if they tender arbitration to Johnson and Calero. Because both are Type B free agents, Florida would receive a compensatory sandwich pick between the first and second rounds of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft should the two sign elsewhere.
If Johnson and Calero sign with another club before Dec. 1, the Marlins also would get Draft-pick compensation.
Obtained from the Nationals on July 31 for pitching prospect Aaron Thompson, Johnson added veteran experience to the Marlins. However, he dealt with a right hamstring strain that landed him on the disabled list, and in late September he missed more time because of flu-like symptoms.
Johnson batted .279 with the Marlins over 104 at-bats. Known for his patience at the plate, he drew 36 walks and had an on-base percentage of .477.
Batting second, he was sandwiched between rookie Chris Coghlan and slugger Hanley Ramirez. He scored 24 runs.
If the Marlins move in another direction at first base, the organization has two prospects in line to compete for the job in Spring Training -- Logan Morrison and Gaby Sanchez.
The Marlins also are weighing what to do with Jorge Cantu, who is arbitration-eligible. Cantu opened 2009 at first base before switching to third after Johnson was acquired.
If Cantu, who made $3.5 million this year, returns, he could play either first or third base.
Bouncing back from a right rotator cuff tear in 2008, Calero emerged as one of the Marlins' most reliable relievers. The veteran right-hander appeared in 67 games, and posted a 2-2 record with a 1.95 ERA. He struck out 69 and walked just 30 in 60 innings.
It was an impressive season for Calero, who was a non-roster invitee in Spring Training.
In recent years, the Marlins have had great success resurrecting such relievers as Calero. In 2008, Joe Nelson fit the bill, returning from injury to enjoy a strong season out of the bullpen.
"I'm happy with the year I had," Calero said during the final week of the regular season. "I had a career high for innings. I missed some games because of my shoulder, but I feel good. The only thing I'm not happy about is that we didn't make the playoffs."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
