Rays Sign Brandon Chaves

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 2, 2009 4:23 PM EST

A Double-A shortstop with little to no positive impact on the organization. Between Jake Gautreau, Ray Olmedo, Jason Bowers, and now Chaves, I do have to wonder if this makes Elliot Johnson's exit more or less likely.

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I wonder if he is a decent fielder.

He seems to take walks and run well. Wouldn’t you love to know how the Rays decide on a signing like this? To make it easier to release Johnson? Simply to fill minor league rosters? It seems to me there is always something more than a random choice to it.

by bobr on Feb 2, 2009 4:45 PM EST reply actions

Perhaps a mixture.

Although I would be shocked if Johnson was claimed on waivers. If you can’t find a Johnson type in your minor league system you’re doing it wrong.

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 2, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

Pretty much

It’s good to have contingencies in case Johnson gets picked up off waivers, but I suspect he’ll clear. I suspect it’s a greater reflection that we literally have NO potential MLB 2B talent in the system right now outside of Johnson, and in some of these cases it’s probably better to cut bait and hire filler rather than string along kids who really should be looking at other career options.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Feb 2, 2009 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

while what you say about every team having a Johnson type in their system may be true

EJ was great for the team last spring and has been a great teammate and contributor in the minors. Not only was EJ the guy that ran over the Yankees catcher in a play that really set the tone for the entire season and the attitude the Rays would play with. In something I didn’t find out until talking to him in Durham later in the year, Johnson put work in at all 8 positions in the field during spring training. He took the attitude that he didn’t care where he had to play (even catcher) he just wanted to do everything he could to make the team and I would be surprised if his work ethic didn’t rub off on some of the other players. I know he is not the most talented player in the world and pending a big turnaround will never be an everyday player in the majors or even a bench player, but I for one would be disappointed seeing EJ in another uniform.

by Dbullsfan on Feb 2, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not trying to insult him.

To go from amateur free agent to major leaguer is a great accomplishment, but in terms of skills his type is readily available.

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 2, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

But when your ability is limited, work is all you can bring

and every org probably has plenty of guys working and hoping for their shot at a majors utility job. It’s sad on an individual level, because you have to admire these guys chasing their dream – it’s very hard to give up, and Johnson isn’t one of those guys in their late 20’s yet.

One thing that continues to expand is the ready availablity of bench type guys, so teams can afford to stock up and let the chips fall. If we think it’s tough to fight for a majors job, imagine what it’s like to have to do so just to stick in the minors!

by nyyfaninlaaland on Feb 2, 2009 6:17 PM EST reply actions