11:00 AM Eastern
The Jays gave Reed Johnson his unconditional release this morning, ending the spring-long battle between him and Shannon Stewart for the last outfield spot on the roster, platooning in left with Matt Stairs.
We’ve been talking all spring about the Johnson vs. Stewart thing, and I’ve said since the get-go that the Jays didn’t sign Shannon for him not to make the team. Reed basically agreed. In his sit-down with reporters on Friday (while I was still in the press box watching Kevin Ahrens hit), he said that he told the Jays’ equipment guys to keep his stuff separate as they packed up for the trip home next week, so they’d have easy access to it if he was to be cut or traded. In articles you’ll read online later this morning from thecrack media crew down here, you’ll see him talk about having figured he was gone as soon as Stewart was signed.
Frankly, I was very surprised that the Jays even tendered Johnson a contract in December. I completely expected that, given his injury and subsequent lack of production last season combined with his expected salary level, the Jays would simply walk away and allow him to become a free agent. Instead, they signed him while still waiting for something better to come along, knowing full well that they had pretty much the entire month of March to decide whether or not they wanted to keep him. It turns out that Reed’s termination pay plus Shannon’s salary will still be less than 2/3 of what Johnson was going to make had he made the team.
Why make the decision today? Did something happen yesterday that settled it for the Jays? Of course not - Stewart’s bloop single in the first inning of the rainout off Jonathan Albaladejo didn’t convince anyone one way or the other. What more than likely happened was that the Jays felt as though none of their trade discussions would bear any fruit, so rather than wait three more days until Wednesday’s deadline to release players before their contracts become guaranteed, they pulled the plug today. It certainly wasn’t out of a sense of fairness to Reed, to give him a few extra days to find a job - this is a business.
I think the Blue Jays kept the better hitter at the expense of the better fielder. Speed is a wash, or close to it, with Johnson’s back problems contributing as much as Stewart’s hamstring problems. I also think the Jays showed us in December, when they signed David Eckstein to play short, that they’d rather have the bat over the glove, especially when the glove is protected by neighbouring players. Eckstein’s average play at shortstop isn’t going to stand out, because he has gold glovers on either side in Aaron Hill and Scott Rolen. Likewise, Stewart can play his adequate defense in left because Vernon Wells and Alex Rios cover the rest of the outfield.
I’m going to miss Reed, absolutely. He’s a terrific guy, very approachable, always accessible, always happy to take some time and talk. He fit in very well in the back corner of the clubhouse with Wells, Hill and McDonald. Last year they lost Catalanotto from that group, this year they lose Johnson. I have no doubt that Johnson is going to find a job relatively quickly, though for a lot less money than the $3 million plus that he was set to make - the Mets and Cubs are looking for a guy just like him, for two quick examples off the top of my head. If he is given the right role, he’ll have a long, solid career, no question. Just not in Toronto.
And goshdarnit, I was going to make him my pre-game guest today! Oh, well. I’m off to hunt down Randy Wells, or maybe Shannon Stewart. Not sure who I’ll come up with, maybe Johnny Mac, because his situation for his whole career has been similar to Reed’s - always underappreciated, always fighting for a job. Regardless, make sure you tune in at 12:30 PM Eastern along the Fan Radio Network, though not in Toronto because of the Raptors game. I’m sure that a lot of you are very savvy internetically, so you’ll be able to find the broadcast. Talk to you after the game!
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Personally, I think cutting Johnson is a dumb decision.
Of course, with this management what other decision can you expect.
- gerryMike,
Is there some MLB esoterica that explains why Reed could not be traded? As you say, the Mets and Cubs are looking for someone like him. Surely he was worth something?
Best,
Bruce
MW: No esoterica, just that no one wanted to give the Jays anything (without Toronto taking back a portion of Reed’s salary) when they knew that if they waited, Johnson would be available on the open market for a lot less money and without having to give up an asset.
- Ol BrucieToo bad about Reed. I was pulling for him to be the guy to come out of this but I can understand why they’d go with Shannon.
- ColeBest of luck to Reed - seemed like a real good character guy & he’ll surely catch on with another team soon.
Hi Mike,
Shannon has hit every where he’s played. I hope that continues. If he doesn’t I would hope the decision makers would get fired as his defence maybe costly. Fans are tired of the excuses. The first month we’ll find out if the Jays are contenders or pretenders. This is the AL East not the NL Central. In this division it starts from game one till the end. There is no room for major slumps unless of course your 20 games over 500 and your the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees of course.
MW: Now wait a minute. You say Shannon has hit everywhere he’s played, but if he doesn’t hit now, the people who signed him should be fired? How’s that work?
- brunoNot sure if i’d call reed and johnny mac underappricated but i love watching them play and wish Reed all the luck in the world.
- Dan MooreSad to see Reed go, when the guy was on his game he was fun to watch. I don’t necassarily agree with the move, however, I do understand why after last year J.P. would want to go with the better offensive option. J.P. has created 2 holes on the defensive side of things though (the other being Eckstein). I wish Reed all the best and i’m also glad to see that the teams Mike mentioned who are interested are contenders.
- DilsonWhy dont the jays make stewart the everday leftfielder now. He would be a perfect leadoff hitter. Its very unlikely that stairs will match last years offensive output at his age. Stairs could still play 2-3 times a week in left field and dh. Then eckstein could bat 9th where he belongs. Also, why is wells batting 3rd again. Didnt the jays learn that he is not a major league#3 hitter. hes way too agressive and swings at too many bad pitches. Rolen, rios or overbay should bat at that spot. Is it because hes making the most money?
MW: I don’t understand this need for a lot of you to write guys off before they get a chance. Stairs had a terrific year last year and could well do it again. Shouldn’t he get the chance before you take his job away? Stewart is not a perfect leadoff hitter, by the way - he doesn’t do so well with taking the walks, either.
As far as Wells hitting third, I agree with you. There are several players better suited for the position, but John Gibbons believes that Wells deserves the opportunity. Even at his best, though, I don’t see him as a great fit in that spot against right-handed pitching.
- aviSo Mike,
Do you think the Jays made the RIGHT decision?
MW: They didn’t win last year because they didn’t hit enough. That’s why they went for the bat over the glove. If we were looking at a strict platoon, I’d have kept Reed, but that’s not what they’re looking at. They know that with Stairs and Thomas pushing 40 and with Wells and Overbay coming off injuries, they could very well need someone to play every day. Reed can’t hit righties effectively, Stewart can.
- NateThe money mistakes by JP just keep piling up. Remember Billy Koch’s last
contract? The 3 Amigo pitchers from last year? Now Reed Johnson gets to keep more than half a million just to walk away from a contract that should not have been offered in the first place.
Seriously, does JP have a plan or does he just make it up as he stumbles along?
MW: Billy Koch’s contract was $900,000. The 3 Amigo pitchers last year combined to make $2,500,000, I think, and now Shannon Stewart makes the team for $1.5M and they paid Reed about half a million to go away, so Stewart is here for about $1.3 less than they would have paid Johnson.
I don’t see how any of these things are money mistakes. If they’d given John Thomson $4 million or something, that’s a mistake. But you’re talking about relative peanuts. Good low-risk gambles. And hey, the Jays didn’t know Koch would come to camp mysteriously 15-20 pounds lighter.
- Old JoeUnfortunately, MLB.com is broadcasting the fan590 feed, which means I got to listen to a discussion about soccer (?!) rather than your broadcast!!
I connected to the Phillies broadcast to hear the game, but it ain’t the same…
- Chriswith all emotion and appreciation for hustle aside i’m of the opinion that Reed Johnson brought this upon himself.
i remember J.P. saying that after the 06 season that Reed declined a multi year deal because he preferred to go year to year. if the jays were committed to him on a multi year deal i guarantee that he would be with Toronto Opening Day. simply put if being a Blue was very important to Reed Johnson he had his opportunity for it to be so.
i want to congratulate J.P. for getting a better player. the challenge in improving the blue jays this off season was that they had so many league average players that outside of getting a $uper$tar (if even available) upgrade any position the only thing was to find several guys that are 10 - 15% better than the guy they are replacing. by itself the impact of this move is minor, but if you include a minor upgrade @ 3b, ss, and backup C this stats to add up.
- christopherThis is yet again another brilliant move by JP !!!! I hope the sarcasm is evident enough for you. They gave up a heart and soul guy, a terrific defensive outfileder, and a sprk plug offensive player who always played his guts out for what ? A mid 30’s injury prone has been who couldn’t throw out my 98 year old grandmother. Stewart was a good offensive player IN HIS DAY but his type is exactly why we can’t copmpete. Cut the better all round player on a wing and a prayer that he hits maybe 10 to 15 points higher to save a few bucks. Wonder how Doc and the rest of the staff feel about our new slow footed - weak armed platoon in left.
Enough is enough !!!!!!!!!!!
MW: Doc won’t care, he’s a severe groundball pitcher. Vernon Wells talks about taking a lawn chair out to centre field on the days that Halladay pitches. And by the way - WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW REED JOHNSON IS AN OFFENSIVE SPARK PLUG????????????
- Todd PeatWithout Towers, Janssen and Reed Johnson, is there anyone left on the Jays who knows how to wear their socks?
MW: A fair question, and one not often asked.
- Shael BeckAs JP said, they Jays need as prolific as a lineup against the Red Sox/Yankees and thats what Shannon gives them.
My question is why couldnt they find a trade suiter for a guy who is only a year removed from batting 319 with 147 hits? Maybe people are worried about his back and not willing to pay him his 3.75
Gonna miss Reed but agree with the decision.
- Brett VCAn you please wish the blue jays a happy easter from me Mike?
- Sam TaylorThanks pal
Any update on how long Rolen should be out with the fractured finger? Soriano missed less than a week earlier in spring, so I hope it’s not too bad.
MW: No update yet, the Jays are as tight-lipped as ever.
- EricMike, I don’t suppose you know any more about Rolen’s non-displaced fractured fingertip than the NatPost and AP have already reported?
MW: Nope. Boy, it sure would be nice to have a forthcoming team with regards to injuries, but what can you do?
- TorgenJohnson was a waste of space. One fluke year that he will never match.
MW: Why would you have to put it like that? I mean, sure, I don’t think he’ll ever have a year like 2006 again, either, but waste of space? Take a look in the mirror before you say stuff like that. Give me a break.
- BrandonI think it’s a matter of days before the Mets sign Johnson up to platoon with Church in Right field — which i think is a great move because Johnson will excel there, heal, get back in the grove and sign an even better contract.
Who knows, maybe the Marlins will take a flier on him to play center, which would be a great opportunity.
Good Luck Reed, glad we had you !!!!
Not as glad as i was when we had Catalonato–wish he played first for us, but what can you do.
MW: I love Catalanotto, too, but Overbay is better offensively and defensively.
- DaveIn my opinion, the Jays have made the wrong move. The building blocks of a championship have always been pitching & defense! I agree that Shannon most likely will hit a bit better than Reed, but I’m also sure that Reed’s defense is much superior. I shudder to think what will happen if (when?) Vernon or Alex Rios go down with even a minor injury, and we have to move Stairs to right and play Stew in left full time. Whichever of the two (VW or Alex) is in center will have so much ground to cover they will need a motorcycle!
Seems like JP was looking mainly at the $2MM savings — “penny wise but pound foolish”, as the old saying goes. And I really wonder if John Gibbons truly “had a vote” — frankly, I doubt it, because I think Gibby would lean towards Reed.
Norm
MW: I’m pretty sure Gibbons would have leaned towards Reed, too, but as to the “building blocks” argument: The Blue Jays were 2nd in the American League in ERA last season and had by far the best defense in the league. What did all that pitching and defense get them? 83 wins. You have to hit, too.
- Norm McMinnForgot to mention — Scutaro might be able to cover a day or two here or there, but I doubt if he is a “full-time” option, either.
Maybe Adam Lind????
Norm
MW: Lind is definitely the first call if an outfielder gets hurt long-term, though short-term the Jays may go with Buck Coats. Still, don’t forget Lind hit .238 last year with a .278 on-base.
- Norm McMinnAnother great move, getting nothing for a quality player. Why not trade him and try and get something for him?
- VernI will look forward to seeing Reed have a great career in another city.
I think Reed will stay healthy and JP will be kicking himself.
On the pitching/defense argument, point taken on last year — however, as you have also commented elsewhere, the injuries to the regulars last year impacted severely on their hitting — including Reed. IMO, they figure to hit better this year anyway, without sacrificing Reed’s defense for a few extra points of BA/OBP from Shannon.
Remember, the ERA is also (partly) a function of team defense — with Eck a downgrade at SS (over Johnny Mac), and now a down-grade in LF, it seems logical to expect the ERA’s to be worse than last year. Can the offense improve enough? We can only hope so.
- NormThose people that criticize JP because of the Johnson decision assume that it was an easy decision for him to make. I have no doubts that this was one of the most difficult roster moves Ricciardi has had to make since he started here. He recognized Johnson’s commitment to Toronto and his willingness to play the game as a ‘dirtbag.’ This decision effectively came down to Stewart being a more consistent hitter and the fear that Johnson’s injury will prevent him from getting back into ‘06 form.
- MarcAlso, anyone can go back and judge this decision in August and September, and if that was the case we would all be GM’s. Decisions are made on the facts of the present and should be judged as such, not on perfect 20/20 hindsight.
It’s hard to see Reed go–he was fun to watch and worked hard. Hopefully Shannon excels and JP’s decision turns out to be the right one.
Thanks Reed for the memories, best of luck in the future!
- JeremyI think it came down to the decision this winter for Matt Stairs to get the most LF at bats this year over Reed. Reed lost his starting job and it appears he was the second choice to Shannon over the winter due Stewart hitting righties better. This is a good chance for Johnson to excel somewhere where is needed much more. Who would have thought Shannon Stewart would be back here? Maybe Reed will someday also. I hope both he, Stewart and Stairs all tear it up!
- SkipMike,
Good thing you’re a pro at having to deal with irrational arguments. How is it possible that so many people are not grasping how important it is to platoon Matt Stairs– who is pushing 40 himself and the backup for two other positions– with someone capable of playing every day?
Seriously. How many different ways can you say it? The Jays need someone who can play every day when either Stairs, Thomas or Overbay goes down, and Reed has proven that he can’t hit RHP. It’s that simple, everyone.
- StoetenIt’s kind of funny seeing how many rumors about teams wanting Reed are comming out of the wood works.
Johnson will be by far the most sought after outfielder that got placed on waivers.
Makes you think that if the jays made room for him they could have dealt him
The worst thing is that the Red Sox are interested in him, which means that JP had an in which he could have used to trade for Jed Lowrie !!!!
Getting Jed Lowrie should be JP’s main goal as far as im concerned !!!
MW: Yeah, because Reed Johnson for Jed Lowrie was going to happen.
- DaveI actually agree with the Jays move to let Reed Johnson go…this town has a knack for falling in love with players in all sports who hustle and hide some of their glaring weaknesses (see: Tie Domi, Jerome Williams, Darcy Tucker, Matt Bonner, and I lump Reed Johnson in this category)….This town needs to understand that a guy like Shannon Stewart can be a dangerous spray-hitter that will hit close to .300, guaranteed..Reed Johnson will lay the odd bunt and steal the odd bag…Although I don’t like JP’s deceptiveness in hiding the fact that this was an outfield battle, I do agree with the move..I wish Reed the best of luck, he will be picked up, but I can’t see him being a starter on any contending team in MLB.
- Mark