The Nick of Time

The Marlins acquired Nick Johnson from the Nationals for Aaron Thompson.

Marlins Side: Underwhelmed by the performances of Wes Helms, Emilio Bonifacio and Gaby Sanchez, the Marlins pick up a professional hitter who is an injury risk with no power. Johnson should be reinvigorated by a pennant race and is an on base machine, something the Marlins sorely lack. This also allows them to move Jorge Cantu over to 3rd and get Bonifacio to the bench.

Nationals Side: Thompson, a 6-3, 195 pound lefty who is 22 years old, was regarded as the Marlins # 13 prospect coming into the season. Currently at AA Jacksonville, Thompson has finally struggled, going 5-9, 4.11 with 75 strikeouts and 43 walks in 114 innings. Still a good bet to be a major league starter, his star has dimmed, but is a talented pitcher nonetheless.

Overall: Marlins got exactly what they needed and got to keep Stanton, Maybin and the like. Thompson may be good and Johnson may get hurt, but good risks taken by both teams. Give it to the Marlins just due to their track record in giving up pitchers (Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado to name the 2 from the Hanley trade).