Breaking News: Nationals Trade Nick Johnson to Marlins for Minor Leaguer

Just minutes before the trade deadline, the Washington Nationals made their big move. Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson has been traded to the Florida Marlins for AA pitcher Aaron Thompson. The Nationals have also agreed to pay the remainder of Johnson’s $2 million contract.  Johnson, 30, will be a free agent at the end of the year.  He is hitting .295 for the year with an on-base percentage of .408, which ranks sixth in the National League.  He is also sixth in the NL in walks with 66. The Nationals, stacked with first basemen and corner outfielders, deemed Johnson as surplus going forward by interim GM Mike Rizzo.  For the Nationals, this means that Adam Dunn could be his immediate replacement at first base.  The deal also could make way for Chris Marrero, hitting .302 in high-A Potomac, to start at first in 2010. Johnson will give Hanley Ramirez some much needed protection, as he is projected to hit second for the Marlins.  The deal will...