Marlins Look to Keep Johnson and Ramirez through 2010

Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that starter Josh Johnson and shortstop Hanley Ramirez will both remain with the team through 2010.

Rodriguez debunks a couple of recent rumors in the article, one being that the team won’t be able to work out a contract extension for its ace, Josh Johnson.

Johnson, who was 15-5 with a 3.25 ERA for Florida this past season, is reportedly looking for a four-year extension. The Marlins own Johnson’s rights through 2011, and will certainly need to pony up much more than the paltry $1.4 million he was paid in 2009. Rodriguez is optimistic the team will get a deal hammered out this winter.

The other rumor mentioned in the article involves Marlins All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez. A report surfaced this weekend that the Red Sox were actively engaged in discussions to trade for Ramirez, but that report hasn’t been substantiated by any other sources. So, odds are that Ramirez will remain with Florida for 2010.

View the original article here.