Dan Johnson Sold to Japan

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 2:25 PM EST

Nikkan Sports is reporting that the Yokohama BayStars of Japan have acquired Dan Johnson from the Rays.

Hat tip to Peter Bendix for alerting me. On one hand, I'm a bit sad to see Johnson go, despite not having a roster spot available for him next year. I realize this is purely based on his homerun off Jon Papelbon and I'm accepting of that, which is why I can overcome that moment of sadness and accept that this is best for Johnson's career. He should mash in Japan, and it doesn't hurt the that Rays get some cash in exchange for an empty 40-man roster spot either.

Johnson's career in Tampa Bay was shortlived. Not long after he was acquired on waivers was he shipped out to make room for Gabe Gross. His first plate appearance was of course the homerun, and from there he didn't do much else. Guys like Johnson are a dime-a-dozen, so this isn't a huge loss to the organizational depth.

Update: Topkin says the Rays will receive between 100-500k.

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I'm sure he appreciates being sold to Japan ;)

by RayOfLight on Dec 19, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions

I am sure I am missing something in his stats,

but I always thought Johnson was better than his reputation. Seems to me he walked a lot, didn’t strike out inordinately and hit both home runs and doubles reasonably often in the majors. I cannot argue with the decision to sell him; there seemed no spot on the roster for him. But I liked the idea that he was available should Pena be hurt, and apparently he had been used at Durham a bit in the outfield as well.

But it is good for Johnson and I can’t quarrel with the decision. Like you, I am a bit sad about it.

by bobr on Dec 19, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions

What if we can't sign one of our DH options?

Then there would have been a spot, albeit a remote chance of him getting it. If we can’t get one of the big four, I’m still of the mind that DHing Aybar full-time may end up being a better option than sinking to signing a Ken Griffey Jr. or Garrett Anderson, but Johnson might have been a nice option.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 19, 2008 7:13 PM EST reply actions

I don't think us not getting one of our DH options is really an option.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 19, 2008 7:24 PM EST up reply actions

By that you mean?

It’s very unlikely that one of the four won’t drop into our range and go to us? Or that the F/O will use all means necessary to get one of them?

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 19, 2008 9:24 PM EST up reply actions

Probably both, but our front office is willing to spend money on a DH.

We are not going to platoon a DH this year, which means we’re going to sign someone as there are exactly zero internal options.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Dec 19, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

Didn't Aybar have an OPS around ,900 in the second half?

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Dec 20, 2008 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Less than .800.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=aybarwi01&year=2008#dates-half

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 20, 2008 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

I will tell my grand kids about Dan Johnson one day.

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 19, 2008 7:55 PM EST reply actions

The Shot Heard 'round the Bay?

Thanks for the Papelbon/Fenway memory.

Sad to see him go, although I have an irrational attachment to virtually all former and current Rays. For example, I’m preparing for a day of mourning when Gabe Gross leaves. The sight of Jonny Gomes in a uniform other than the Rays (or Bulls) will stir many emotions (an impulse to punch Coco Crisp, mostly). Crawford, Shields or Kazmir leaving will be traumatic (only to be healed by more winning seasons).

Here’s hoping this works out better for DJ than it did for Steve Cox.

by RATW on Dec 19, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions

Deja vu

Seriously, this is almost an exact replay of Steve Cox. The two are very similar in position, stats and age, originally from the same organization sold to the same team in Japan for about the same amount of money almost exactly six years apart. I believe Cox then blew out his knee and was never quite the same.

by RATW on Dec 20, 2008 5:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sigh.

Steve Cox was my favorite Ray once upon a time.

by Vin on Dec 20, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

With one swing of the bat...

Dan Johnson made me sound like an ass. Take care, Dan.

In the name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 19, 2008 10:11 PM EST reply actions

haha but at least he made u sound like an ass doing something good

and im not saying that ur an ass, because your one of the bloggers on here that i respect

everything Rays,Marlins,Twins and Reds
who needs k-rod for 37 million when you can have d-rod for 50k?
twins sign ty wigginton ASAP!!!!

by RaysOfHope on Dec 19, 2008 10:53 PM EST up reply actions

Aww shucks.

No, what’s sad is when he stepped up to bat against the Sox I was watching the game with my dad at his house, I told my dad that Dan Johnson wasn’t that good. And what happened? I felt like a huge ass. I could help but laugh after the Rays won that game.

In the name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Dec 19, 2008 11:57 PM EST up reply actions