Penguins Acquire McNamara

The Florida Penguins obtained catcher Bud McNamara and relief pitch Grant Hansen from Miami in exchange for pitchers Todd Johnson and Tom Knight.

McNamara, 40, is in the final year of a 3 year free agent contract signed with the Stars, he will make 13 million in 2013.  A career .309 hitter with 2609 hits, McNamara hit .303 with 83 RBI and dominated the 2011 World Series as Miami won the championship.  Last season he struggled through injuries and hit .266 with 9 homers and 46 RBI.  While his throwing arm is well below average, McNamara is considered an excellent handler of pitchers.

Hansen was the Stars' first round draft pick in 2011, and posted a 3.88 ERA in 72 innings as a rookie.  He also showed excellent control, walking only 16 while striking out 58.  He may take over as the closer in Florida.

Johnson, 24, pitched 84 innings in the big leagues and went 4-6 with a 3.11 ERA.  He will likely join Miami's rotation.  Johnson signed a long term contract before his major league debut, and will make just over 21 million through the 2017 season.

Knight, 24, has pitched 2 seasons in the Florida bullpen.  A hard thrower, last season he struck out 56 batters in 52 innings, though he sometimes struggles to throw strikes.  His career ERA is 4.05.