Marlins file for free agency

post from FishStripes on 07 November 2009 04:55:00 AM. © FishStripes

All of the Marlins eligible for free agency have filed, as expected.

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.

Johnson is gone. Donnelly and Calero are probably both looking for multiyear deals, so they may be gone too. I think the Marlins will offer Gload the Wes Helms package, but whether he takes or not will depend on if he can do better elsewhere.

It's the usual for a Marlins offseason.