Comments on: Dan Johnson finally arrives… http://viewfromthebleachers.com/raysoflight/2008/04/21/dan-johnson-finally-arrives/ Tampa Bay Rays Blog and News - Rays of Light Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:33:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: A.J. http://viewfromthebleachers.com/raysoflight/2008/04/21/dan-johnson-finally-arrives/comment-page-1/#comment-7335 A.J. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:37:12 +0000 http://viewfromthebleachers.com/raysoflight/2008/04/21/dan-johnson-finally-arrives/#comment-7335 I think the Rays originally claimed Johnson because they thought Pena might be out for a little bit, which still could be true. Johnson is a younger version, offensively, of Hinske-very patient hitter with some pop. I am not against the move, at all, but I also questioned it when it happened. I really don't understand why we're letting DiFelice go right now though. The pitchers just throw better when he's out there, and he's been hitting the ball better than expected. Riggans hasn't been bad, by any means, but I really feel like DiFelice should be the one to stay for right now. He's been a good guy on the team, and he could mentor Navarro on pitch-calling and handling pitchers. I just don't understand how you let someone go who has the pitchers performing the way they are. I think the Rays originally claimed Johnson because they thought Pena might be out for a little bit, which still could be true. Johnson is a younger version, offensively, of Hinske-very patient hitter with some pop. I am not against the move, at all, but I also questioned it when it happened. I really don’t understand why we’re letting DiFelice go right now though. The pitchers just throw better when he’s out there, and he’s been hitting the ball better than expected. Riggans hasn’t been bad, by any means, but I really feel like DiFelice should be the one to stay for right now. He’s been a good guy on the team, and he could mentor Navarro on pitch-calling and handling pitchers. I just don’t understand how you let someone go who has the pitchers performing the way they are.

]]> By: bobr http://viewfromthebleachers.com/raysoflight/2008/04/21/dan-johnson-finally-arrives/comment-page-1/#comment-7331 bobr Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:32:21 +0000 http://viewfromthebleachers.com/raysoflight/2008/04/21/dan-johnson-finally-arrives/#comment-7331 I disagree, Scott. I think it is a sensible move to pick him up. I certainly would not make too much of it, but as a minor move to deepen the roster it is reasonable. Johnson provides an actual first baseman to back up Pena. The others we have are being moved there from their normal spots. He also provides a left-handed bat off the bench or at DH, one with terrific patience and some power. Against righties, that allows Hinske to play RF instead of Nathan, with Johnson at DH. Or, if Maddon wants Gomes to get more ABs while he is hitting righties, Johnson provides a lefty bat on the bench against the tough righty relievers in the AL East. If you really like Ruggiano, about whom I remain skeptical, he is better off with more regular playing time in Durham. I do understand your point that Ruggiano provides a right handed bat on the bench, but it makes sense to bolster the lefty depth as well. In the end, this is simply a question of depth of talent on the one hand, never a bad thing, and a judgment that Johnson's contributions as a 1B backup, DH and bench player are more valuable right now than Ruggiano's are. There is also the possibility that once Floyd returns-and who knows when that will be, which is another point in Johnson's favor-Johnson may have more value to another team in a trade or may provide insurance in the event the Rays want to deal someone else. I disagree, Scott. I think it is a sensible move to pick him up. I certainly would not make too much of it, but as a minor move to deepen the roster it is reasonable.

Johnson provides an actual first baseman to back up Pena. The others we have are being moved there from their normal spots. He also provides a left-handed bat off the bench or at DH, one with terrific patience and some power. Against righties, that allows Hinske to play RF instead of Nathan, with Johnson at DH. Or, if Maddon wants Gomes to get more ABs while he is hitting righties, Johnson provides a lefty bat on the bench against the tough righty relievers in the AL East.

If you really like Ruggiano, about whom I remain skeptical, he is better off with more regular playing time in Durham. I do understand your point that Ruggiano provides a right handed bat on the bench, but it makes sense to bolster the lefty depth as well. In the end, this is simply a question of depth of talent on the one hand, never a bad thing, and a judgment that Johnson’s contributions as a 1B backup, DH and bench player are more valuable right now than Ruggiano’s are.

There is also the possibility that once Floyd returns-and who knows when that will be, which is another point in Johnson’s favor-Johnson may have more value to another team in a trade or may provide insurance in the event the Rays want to deal someone else.

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