Marlins' Johnson changes mind, clears way for trade with Rockie

The Associated Press

DENVER -- Catcher Charles Johnson reversed his decision and approved a trade to the Colorado Rockies, his agent said Saturday, clearing the way for a six-player deal that sends left-hander Mike Hampton to the Florida Marlins.

Johnson, who had used his no-trade rights to block the deal earlier Saturday, changed his mind after getting an additional $1 million to make up for the fact that there is no state income tax in Florida.

"We got some tax elements taken care of in the transfer, so the monetary element would remain the same in Colorado," agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press. "My understanding is that this was the final step."

Rockies spokesman Jay Alves said the deal was not quite done.

Johnson would go to Colorado along with outfielder Preston Wilson, left-handed reliever Vic Darensbourg and second base prospect Pablo Ozuna. Hampton and outfielder Juan Pierre are headed to Florida.

Hampton, who also had a no-trade clause, agreed to the deal earlier Saturday.

Hampton signed an eight-year, $121 million contract with Colorado in December 2000. He is guaranteed $84.5 million over the next six years, plus has deferred $19 million of his signing bonus.

The Rockies will pay $11 million of Hampton's remaining salary and the signing bonus.

Johnson has $25 million coming over the next three seasons and Wilson is owed $27.5 million the next three years.

While Hampton preferred a trade to Houston, St. Louis, the Chicago Cubs or New York Yankees, those teams considered acquiring him only if he agreed to give up a significant portion of his contract. The deal with Florida did not call for any restructuring.

Hampton, a 30-year-old left-hander, was 7-15 with a 6.15 ERA this year.