You're mixing issues. the minor league status is a one time thing. once they hit the mark, they no longer have minor league status. exemptions are counted by years they hit the mark, so johnson's year with 4 starts doesn't count. Which would then make him exempt for one more season? he has three exempt years, if he has used two, then he would have one nore. Just want to make sure I am understanding the exempt rules. Thanks Juan.