ESPN.com's Rumor Central had a little ditty about Nick Johnson. Because not everyone has Insider access, I figured I'd share with you all:

According to MLB.com, among the possible landing places for Nick Johnson, Arizona could now be out of the picture.

The article states, "With a little more than $10 million to spend and a more pressing need in the starting rotation, don't look for the D-backs to be in the bidding for Johnson.

Where does that leave Johnson? Well, the Mariners or Giants might be the most likely options.

Ken Davidoff of Newsday writes today that Johnson wants a two-year deal, but that would be difficult to obtain because of his injury history.

I highly doubt Johnson will get a two-year deal, but he is likely to get one year with a vesting option for a second year based on plate appearances.

Johnson hit .291/.426/.405 in 133 games split between the Nationals and the Marlins last year. Johnson is an above average first baseman, even if his 2009 number suggests otherwise.

Johnson didn't play at all in 2007, and only logged 38 games in 2008. Johnson is an on-base specialist who has walked more times than he has struck out on multiple occasions.

Like the ESPN guys said, the Giants and Mariners are the two most likely scenario's. The Mariners could also resign Russell Branyan, and allow Johnson to stay healthy by primarily using him in the DH role. The Giants need a OBP overhaul, and Johnson is a good start. He doesn't have the power that SanFran should be trying to acquire, but it's a start.

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