Charles

Johnson

Johnson’s complete no-trade clause shrinks to 21 teams after the season, when he must submit a list of nine teams that he will go to. The Rockies are willing to eat a portion of the $9 million Johnson is owed. He’s played just three times this month as J.D. Closser has taken over in Colorado.

They do, however, have some interest in Rockies’ starter Shawn Estes.

No word on what teams they were. Johnson almost certainly will be moved. The Rockies want to go into next year with J.D. Closser and free agent Todd Greene as their catching tandem.

Despite acquiring Kevin Cash, the Rays still have some interest in Johnson, who would be a cheaper option at catcher. If they get him, they’d trade Toby Hall.

Johnson matches up better against today’s pitcher, Curt Schilling. But if he had caught last night, he wouldn’t have played today. He hasn’t been benched for his poor play or anything.

Johnson isn’t an upgrade over Toby Hall, but if the Rays can bring in a veteran for cheap, they’ll probably do so. Hall might become trade bait if it happens.

The Rockies are willing to pay up to $8.25 million of the $9 million Johnson is owed for 2005. However, the $1 million bonus Johnson would receive if traded to any of the 20 teams on his no-trade list is proving to be a problem. “It’s not dead yet with Tampa, but it appears to have a faint heartbeat,” Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd said.

Johnson also got to spend some time in the batting cage in the hopes of breaking out of his .097 slump. He has no plans to adjust his mechanics, but admitted he has to be more selective.

The Devil Rays and two NL clubs are interested in Johnson, but none of the suitors are willing to give up a quality prospect. However, it’s still likely that a deal will eventually be worked out with one of the clubs. Trading Johnson rather than releasing would probably save the Rockies at least a couple of hundred grand.

This explains why Ben Petrick got a chance to catch yesterday.