Rays sign Dan Johnson To One-Year Deal
by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 12:58 PM EST
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PrintThe Rays announced they have signed 1B Dan Johnson to a one-year deal worth $500,000. Almost a year to the date after selling Johnson's contract to the Yokohama BayStars of the Japanese Central League, the Rays are not only bringing him back to the states, but on a Major League Contract. For his MLB career, Johnson has been league average hitter with decent power from the left side. He is/was a decent defender at first base and did play one game for the Rays in 2008 out in left field.
As Rays fans, we remember Dan Johnson best for his pinch-hit, game-tying home run in the ninth inning off of Jonathan Papelbon back in September of 2008. I'm all for improving the teams depth, and first base is a thin position in the organization; however, the guaranteed Major League deal strikes me as odd with the Rays already having Willy Aybar backing up Carlos Pena at the position.
All along we have assumed that Sean Rodriguez or Reid Brignac would join Willy Aybar in backing up the infield with Gabe Kapler as the fourth outfielder. Dioner Navarro remains the back-up catcher for the moment. As it stands right now, Kapler. Navarro, Aybar and Johnson would look like the front runners for the bench given their contract/option status. Aybar has filled in a second base, but is not really a middle infielder. There would seem to be a missing side of the equation here since carrying Johnson and Aybar seems a bit redundant. Your guess is as good as mine as to what will happen, but the bench just got a bit crowded.
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Dan Johnson is to the Red Sox
As David Tyree is to the Patriots
That’s why The Ravens won
PIZZA?!?
by Transplanted on Jan 11, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
I don't mind the signing.
I just don’t understand why it’s a major-league deal.
Eduardo Morlan = God.
Guaranteed money as an enticement for him to sign with the Rays
probably for less than it would have been had he signed a minor league deal.
IMO, this gives the team the flexibility to trade Burrell for pure salary relief, or to trade Aybar for prospects. Without some other trade or injury, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets waived before he gets a regular season at-bat with the Rays.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Slashies in Japan last year: .215/.330/.462 in 382 PAs.
The BayStars were absolutely wretched last year, but Johnson to my understanding had 20+ homers (I can’t seem to find the exact number).
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
So, in other words, he was like Godzilla.
Welcome home, Gwai-lo.
by ReasonableDoubt on Jan 11, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Putting up a .330 OBP in Japan isn't really impressive.
He also had an early season shoulder injury; I don’t know if that was something that effected him or not. Either way, I can’t wait to see him. In September.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
I missed the fact that this is a Major League Deal.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
24
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
Can’t see us carrying both Aybar and Johnson I would guess it will be Kapler, Backup catcher, One of Aybar/Johnson and one of Rodriguez/Brignac. Intriguing situation
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Aybar is shutting it down in winter ball for a minor wrist injury
But, I don’t think that would prompt them to hand Johnson a MLB deal.
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
When do we have to make a decision?
I’m sure he could have been an NRI for ST, but they could have been trying to avoid another team nabbing him, and doling out the guaranteed contract for peanuts. Maybe they will see what’s in the tank in ST. If he performs well enough, they are in a great position to see what the market bears out for one of our high-upside bench players.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
My first thought was: "okay what's going down..."
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Jan 11, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Don't we have a few open 40-man spots? Something else doesn't have to happen right now.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Nothing has to happen now
It just seems like unusual roster construction. Not all that different from when Joe Dillon survivied on the 25 man for so long.
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That's going to be his role.
The 25th man whose role doesn’t seem to fit for the team, doesn’t ever get used, in inexplicably stays on the team far longer then he appears to be needed.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
The Rays should erect a statue of Dan Johnson outside the Trop
We could rub it before every Red Sox game at the Trop.
Years from now we’ll tell our grandchildren of the greatness that was Dan with his ability to overcome flight delays and closers.
sounds like a good idea to me
--Gerald Wallace is the best player the Bobcats will have..... EVER
--Someone should slap Larry Brown and bring him back to reality..
Complete speculation and rosterbation, but...
An Aybar/Johnson platoon at first base would be average defensively and ~ .800 OPS combined if Johnson hit against RHP and Aybar took LHP. Combined cost of around ~$1.5 million. I posted about it before, but would they move Carlos Pena now?
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Thats what I was just rosterbating myself
My innermost fan is frowning
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That platoon could make up the :)% too. Johnson's got the grin, Aybar's got the pretty pretty teeth.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
I'm curious where the ~.800 OPS comes from
Sure Aybar is a career .822 OPSer against lefties, but DanJo is only .770 vs. righties, and he would be getting the lion’s share of the platoon. I guess it’s possible, but he didn’t exactly like the world on fire in Japan. I know you’re trying to reach for rationalization to this deal, but I don’t think they would come close to .800 OPS.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ok ~.775
Not saying this is what they’re going to do, but can’t rule it out either.
Johnson might not even make the team for all we know.
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That 70 million dollar payroll for 2010 may not be after all
Maybe season ticket sales are a problem? Who knows but it is a strange move.
I mean if Carlos is a 2.5 WAR player, how big is the drop off from Willy Johnson platoon?
Is it enough to justify the $8.5 million in salary difference? Would they spend the money now? And on who? Would they save it for in season flexibility?
Andrew is just toying with us on this one. Lots of scenarions
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
*scenarios
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
My innermost fan cares not about good business decisions
I really like Shealy. In almost one full MLB season at 1B he has a UZR/150 of 15.0,
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
So we'd be platooning at Catcher, RF, 2B and 1B...
That’s a lot of platooning there, Lou.
Sign lady must die.
by EminenceFront on Jan 11, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
There's no injury/rest depth on the bench with that many platoons. I doubt they go into the season with that in mind.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Hope not
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Bad enough for the Giants to Sign Aubrey Huff over him.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
The ladies swoon when he shimmies to the plate
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
That makes sense. San Fransisco is sure as shit not full of eligible ladies.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
The dudes will probably also like his masturbatory ways
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I can't wait to hear him on Blubba The Lard Sponge calling San Fransisco "A city full of f*gs."
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
This needs to happen
Man, I thought the blacks in Baltimore were bad, but they’re nothing compared to the fags y’all got here in San Francisco.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I can't take the credit
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Both Aybar and Johnson have career OPS+ around 100.
A 1B that has a league average bat does not excite me in the least. If the platoon plays +5 defense at first, that’s not even an average player.
That's that Wake Forest Education you have to thank for that.
Seriously though, probably shouldn’t try to read too much into it right now; the team’s under no obligation to make a move to make room for him ATM.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
That's my thinking, we'll have ST to evaluate whether he's a good fit for the PROCESS or not
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Sure we threw 750 at Isringhausen last year
DJ is a leverage pawn in negotiating an extension for Pena
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The hairs on my arms are standing up from all this brainstorming
IT’S ELECTRIC
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
But where does he fit?
What was the difference between them and LeVon Washington? Or one of the other unsigned draft picks. I just don’t get it. He’s a decent option, but the major league aspect of it is a huge sticking point to me.
Well I'm with you there. They've got some plan to do something with him.
But I don’t see a reason to try to figure it out yet since the team has plenty of time to withhold any more clues.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Maybe they'll Platoon him and PtB with him facing Righties.
Or maybe he’ll face Lefties, AFTER ALL PAT THE FAT COULDN’T HIT LEFTIES LAST YEAR AT ALL SO HE SUCKS.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
If the Johnson signing truly is some sort of posturing
for a potential Pena trade/extension, then it’s all about present values — in which case the unsigned picks had no pull. The presence of Washington, et al., in our minors would not make Boras change his calculations.
on Twitter @CubsStats23
I doubt the presense of Dan Johnson changes the calculations at all.
He would have to stick this entire year to be a player in Pena’s job next year. I don’t really see this affecting the Pena extension other than maybe freeing him up to trade, but I still don’t think there’s a way we start Johnson at 1B.
Sure, but he might take Aybar's place if Aybar started at first.
I don’t see Johnson starting in anything but a very specific platoon, either. Still, my point about present value (at least vs. unsigned picks) stands, right?
on Twitter @CubsStats23
I guess.
If he saves us more than 500k (in current dollars) on a Pena extension, then it does. Otherwise I think the point is moot. My Washington comment was more to do with the fact that I’d rather they plow it into the draft then a seemingly fungible asset that handcuffs the roster. It’s 500k, so I’m not looking for AF’s head over it. I just don’t look at it and get excited nor do I look at it and think it makes sense. Obvioulsy there are things in the background I don’t know about, but in the emantime the deal seems dumb.
I agree
Johnson seems like a AAAA player, not being able to play the OF really limits his value. I’d feel good about him as Durham depth, but little more. I am eternally fond of his home run vs Papelbon. If you remove that single magical plate appearance, I don’t think anyone is too excited.
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Either way a Pena extension may not be in our interest regardless.
Signing Washington et al would have been.
If this results in a discounted Pena extension, its brilliant poker
They may have a clue how badly Pena wants to stay here, and they can make a credible case about how expensive Pena’s marginal value is to their backup platoon plan.
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If we sign Pena to a great deal as a result of this I will dance a jig and take everything back.
I highly doubt it though, and I still worry about a Pena extension.
I'd take my shot on an attractively priced hometown extension
Pena is in far greater shape than the avg Lefty 3TO 1B. I wouldn’t question his desire after signing a deal. Given the lack of cost-effective attractive alternatives, I’d roll the dice.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
hmmmm
First Basemen
Lance Berkman HOU *
Wes Helms FLA
Jason Giambi COL
Ross Gload FLA
Paul Konerko CWS
Derrek Lee CHC
David Ortiz BOS *
Lyle Overbay TOR
Carlos Pena TB
Albert Pujols STL *
Maybe not quite as much as I thought.
The Giambi-Pujols platoon could be pretty good
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Now we're talking
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
It`s only 500K, they could eat this if they had to.
They could try to pass him through waivers and send him to Durham or trade him. It may also give the team more leverage in Pena extension negotiations. I don`t think he`s a lock for opening day.
How can you have any pudding if you haven`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...
by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Jan 11, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
I think he's a lock to hit .330/.400/.550 if given some playing time
Dude is a gangster when he’s got burgers in him instead of sushi.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Scott Boras's face is the color of Dan Johnson's hair at the news of this signing
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Could just be insurance for when Carlos has his annual finger breaking DL stint.
Whatever the reason for the signing, I’m all for cheap depth in the org. I’m not ready to set the roster 38 days before reporting date.
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Eh, in a vacuum it seems silly to sign him to a ML deal if it is simply for depth
Especially given Aybar and Shealy’s presence. I definitely think theres more to it, thought nothing may be imminent.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Exactly
I think a 25-man spot + 500k > Dan Johnson. If something else is in the pipes, then I may change my tune. In the meantime, though, it’s a headscratcher.
We all know they just wouldn't make a move just for the fun of making it.
We may know the reason soon, or we may know in March. At least it’s not a Jason Kendall move.
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 2:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yep. In the original post I said I find it odd
But they have like 80 days to figure it out.
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by Tommy Rancel on Jan 11, 2010 1:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
38 days....
that is so close I can almost smell the ballpark now.
I'm a Brett Favre honk so FUCK YOU!
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 11, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Ugh! I have to wait until they play the White Sox in like July!
Double frowns: :((
on Twitter @CubsStats23
No. Just my sleep schedule is really thrown off.
I am still on break for this week and I need to fix it before class starts.
Chattin with internet babes all night, I'd say 3AMish
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
I woke up a few days ago to find he IMed me at 4:20 AM.
Such a creeper.
Officially now the head of the Lobstein bandwagon.
Did it involve the words "Amy" and "Reid"?
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Spoken like a true fatty
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
I'm going to finally drag my ass to Brighthouse Field when the Rays are in town.
I hear it’s pretty neat-o.
I'm a Brett Favre honk so FUCK YOU!
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 11, 2010 2:26 PM EST reply actions
Should I just get tickets to the Tiki area? That's what I was planning.
That’s where Frenchy’s is, correct?
I'm a Brett Favre honk so FUCK YOU!
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 11, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
I never really looked at anything in the Tiki area, under 21 and I was just drinking water that night,
but it was fun siting out there when we were talking to some people. I enjoy that place a lot and there really isn’t a bad place to sit. Just know 1b is shade side during the day if you want to avoid that. Tiki place and Outfield is fun though.
Yeah. Get the general admission berm seats
Then you can sit at the Tiki bar, outfield tables or even the grass if you like. That park is one of my favorites, spring training or otherwise. Good seats, drinks and the bull pen is right next to the Tiki bar so when you get all liquored up you don’t have to travel too far to heckle the shit out of players.
The home of the Knights?
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
And their new D-Cord Jim Leavitt.
I'm a Brett Favre honk so FUCK YOU!
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 11, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Is Jim Leavitt gonna hafta choke a bitch?
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
ALLEGEDLY!
I'm a Brett Favre honk so FUCK YOU!
by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Jan 11, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
I read that report too. Leavitt's an idiot to think he can fight this.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
All those Tampa football jobs are apparently the best in the country
according to the former/current coaches.
He’s just posturing for a decent settlement . He knows he’ll never coach there again. He did hire a good firm though…
Regressing to the mean streets of St. Pete
by stpetelawyer on Jan 11, 2010 3:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LAWYERING! I HAVE FREE SPEACH AND I'M NOT AFRAID TO USE IT.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Leavitt gets Tommy Roebig, Miller gets Barry Cohen...
Could go around the world in 80 days with all that hot air.
by ReasonableDoubt on Jan 11, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
You guys could also talk about Soccer. That would be equally interesting.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
I wish we had kept Chizek all those years ago
Him and Kruzek were bomb, Drunky McRedcheeks is a real tactician with his 118th ranked offense over the last 2 years. Him and Rick DiPietro should be a good sign of why double-digit length contracts are stupid.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
It's a wash
According to Topkin
Details are being finalized, with the Rays essentially “selling” him (receiving between $100,000 and $500,000) and Johnson signing a one-year deal with a 2010 option.
If the Rays received $500,000 last year from Yokohama in exchange for Johnson’s contract then the Rays essentially just signed Johnson for nothing.
No, because they already have the $500k in pocket
and presumably already spent it. Overall, it’s a wash, but they’re not signing him for nothing.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Any chance this was some weird wink-wink pre-arranged deal with DJ?
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
I can't believe I almost forgot this
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:02 PM EST reply actions
But it's true.
College Basketball has the most pointless regular season because of the huge tournament.
If all you care about is the destination, then sure, but that leaves all, but one team happy
If you care at all about the journey, then the regular season is a fantastic roller coaster ride fraught with excitement in every game. I watched an under-manned UT (not the school known for fat chicks) squad beat the number one team in the land. Tell those fans that the regular season doesn’t matter.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
I watched it too
and in the end it didn’t matter! BCS > COLLEGE BASKETBALL!!! DON’T UNDERMINE THE REGULAR SEASON!!!!!!
You and your argument are stupid
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
If nobody else is going to do it...
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 3:14 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
OT: Mark McGwire admits using steroids and HGH
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=9533663
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
I wonder whether his Hall of Fame vote totals go up or down next year
I’d bet up.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
He banned
this is sad.
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
How can you tell?
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
You sure?
I see you as banned.
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
K,
Weird how it isn’t updated on the Mod list?
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
Quiet a lot,
I see.
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
He's never quiet.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 12, 2010 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
I think it speaks highly of someone if they get banned there but not here.
That’s just me though.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 5:01 PM EST up reply actions
Sir, I'm speechless.
Desean Jackson is one hell of a guy.
Buc'em- Your source for everything buccaneer.
Most of use aren't allowed at a certain Bucs Blog.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
Apparently someone went back and negotiated our release as if we were POWs.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Do POW's ever go back to Vietnam?
You know, just to take in the sights?
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
And as agreed, here's your rec.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
We're a nation of forgive-and-forgetters
It baffles me that any of these guys hide the truth. Just come clean and start over.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
When will Griffey admit to steroids...
Allegedly…
This is going to go down a bad path.
Let’s avoid the speculative comments. It only plays into the ridiculous witch hunt.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think he should just come clean and admit the truth.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
As it my duty as a steward of the blogging community, I cannot in good conscience vote R.J. Anderson to the Blogger Hall of Fame
by ReasonableDoubt on Jan 11, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
It's been widely speculated...
that Jose Canseco injected performance enhancing drugs into RJ Anderson’s ass cheek.
Any real lawyer would know that.
I'm a writer.
by Andy Hellicksonstine on Jan 11, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Heater
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/fenway-homer-hero-dan-johnson-signed
1B Dan Johnson, who hit THE dramatic home run at Fenway Park during the 2008 stretch run, signed a 1-year major-league deal. Johnson, who will make $500,000, provides depth and insurance for the Rays, and could spend time at Triple-A Durham. He played in Japan last season for Yokohoma.
Emphasis mine.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Ginger Samurai returns home to conquer
Mira Sorvino...Paul Walker...T-Pain...Fall 2010...HEADSTONE MAFIA, A LOVE STORY OF REVENGE. "5/5 stars!!!" - DRB User "Andy Hellicksonstine"
by PlayOnWords on Jan 11, 2010 3:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He has honor now
Mira Sorvino...Paul Walker...T-Pain...Fall 2010...HEADSTONE MAFIA, A LOVE STORY OF REVENGE. "5/5 stars!!!" - DRB User "Andy Hellicksonstine"
by PlayOnWords on Jan 11, 2010 4:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'm like 75% sure Johnson had to clear waivers to got to Japan.
Meaning there’s a decent chance he’ll clear waivers in spring, if such is needed.
It is a strange move IMO , i just prey they dont have any ideas about moving Los , that would be a body blow .
Los is great, but if they get a good return, go for it.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
Only if they get a comparable return for this season
Long-term value be damned. With a significant number of important components who are free agents after the season, I want them to focus resources on this season, to the extent possible.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
But what position other than 1B would we get more relative value from?
There is no weakest link at the moment, other than maybe DH. Trading Pena creates a weak link.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Dunno, and I doubt anyone would offer good value.
No point in saying never though.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 12, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
I dont think so R.J , we have enough prospects waiting in the wings , we need players like Los that we know can kick butt . I know it is great we have all these players waiting to step in , and all those draft picks , but i want to see us win NOW !!
Nobody mentioned prospects.
Also, can you please use the reply button when replying? It helps keep the flow of conversations within one subthread rather than spread out. Easier to follow. Thanks.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Getting back on topic, the Rays don't really have a real 1B candidate available to them in the Minors.
If the Rays can swing a trade where they send Los off and get a 1B prospect in return and have the resources available to fill the hole for this season, they should do it. They’re going into rebuilding next year anyway.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
Are you saying Malm is able to play 1B in the majors this season?
Officially now the head of the Lobstein bandwagon.
what about that 3rd guy from the Angels (besides Torres and SRod)
could he be ready to play 1B in the next couple years?
Theoretically
But I’m not all that high on him, and nobody’s rated him as one of our top 15 prospects so far. He did good but not great in one of the best hitter’s environments out there. If he can hit in pitcher-friendly Montgomery, then I start to believe.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
ON a team that is "selling the future to pay for today" to paraphrase
I find that Rays signing Johnson for $500, 000 bucks is ridiculous. The man hit .215 last year for the BayStars in Japan’s Central league. Is there not someone better out there then Dan Johnson? This feels almost like a Chuck Lamar signing.
What’s the catch? Is Aybar hurt more then the Rays are willing to let on? I just don’t like this move at all.
Blah!
by thebaddancingraysfan on Jan 11, 2010 8:21 PM EST reply actions
It's 100k more than league minimum.
And batting average from one year isn’t enough to tell you anything. Not to mention he had a left shoulder injury last season.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
But RJ! He had a bad batting average!
What else do we need to know?! If 382 PAs in a year with an injury isn’t enough to wholly evaluate a player, then nothing will ever be good enough for you, RJ. :(
/sarcasm
on Twitter @CubsStats23
Durham's lineup is going to score some runs.
Jennings
Dillon
Johnson
Shealy
Brignac
Jaso
Perez
Lots of walks.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
Walks don't score runs.
RBIs and putting the ball in play score runs. And Joe Morgan.
Okay, I’m done channeling Stupidity.
Yes — assuming Johnson is in Durham, not Joe Dillon-ing our bench — Durham will be quite the Walk Show this year!
on Twitter @CubsStats23
Maybe Los will hurt his knee and Johnson will be re-signed on the last day of spring training.
by R.J. Anderson on Jan 11, 2010 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
I think that would only work if Los was
a replacement level player. According to the rule of Lightning Strikes:
“A Lightning Strike must be named Ben or Carlos and come in to take the place of a replacement or near-replacement level player.”
Maybe we trade Los, start Johnson — who gets injured — and then Joe Dillon explodes into stardom? That might work.
on Twitter @CubsStats23
Um, it was .230, not .215, and he had a very good OBP considering his low batting average, and he still mashed homers.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
I could be misremembering but didn't we resign Chris Richard to a minor league deal too
and isn’t he pretty close to the same player as Dan Johnson with less ginger. I don’t really understand this move unless it is a move that will be connected to a future move. I think Aybar is more likely to go than Pena. I think Aybar could prove more valuable to some teams given his relative youth and defensive flexibility.
um, Dan Johnson can field and Chris Richard can DH
As far as Aybar and his defensive liability flexibility, Sure, he can suck in at 1B , 2B , 3B and COF in a pinch. Dan to Durham through waivers.
How can you have any pudding if you haven`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...
by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Jan 12, 2010 7:52 AM EST up reply actions
Dan
Dan the Man! Good for him!!
Don’t get the garanteed contract thing, but maybe it is to trade Burrel..
It's not to trade him. And spell his name right. Don't be a tool.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
I hope I am not just repeating someone
as I did not read every post here carefully. But this may explain what the Rays did a bit more clearly:
“Also, he has a split contract, meaning his pay at Triple-A is for less than when/if he’s in the major leagues. If Johnson doesn’t make the big-league roster, he would have to approve an assignment to Triple-A since he is out of options, and it sounds like he is open to that if he doesn’t have a big-league opportunity elsewhere.”
The source is “The Heater”.
Seems to me it is simply a signing for depth and insurance with an impact on the roster only if he makes the major league roster, which would mean he has demonstrated some usefulness, or at least the promise of some usefulness.
Makes some sense
If he gets a different big league opportunity the Rays won’t be on the hook for 500K. Almost like expanding the 25 man to 26. Still seems a bid redundant, but he is better than Richard.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Topkin originally reported that this was a 'Major-League' deal, which implied that it wasn't split. This makes a lot more sense.
I miss George Steinbrenner. He was the man responsible for keeping the Yankees competitive.
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