Dodgers Complete Reed Johnson Deal
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:22 PM PST
in Roster
67 comments
The Dodgers finalized their deal with fourth outfielder Reed Johnson today, after he completed his physical. "Reed is a versatile outfielder that comes to the ballpark ready to play every day," said General Manager Ned Colletti. "We’re excited to have him with the Dodgers. He provides Joe with a few defensive choices since he has played all three outfield positions in his career."
Tony Jackson of ESPN Los Angeles reported the deal is worth $800,000.
Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times adds that Johnson "can earn an extra $250k in incentives based on games played and plate appearances." That means 14 of the 18 Dodgers currently under contract for 2010 have performance bonuses written into their contract.
Canadian Press baseball writer Shi Davidi brings the news that will endear the newest Dodger to his new fans:
Reed Johnson sings [sic] with Dodgers and good for him. He grew up a Dodgers fan and loves Vin Scully (who doesn't?). Jays miss his determination.
How can you not root for a Vin Scully fan? Are you listening, Jeff Kent and Derek Lowe?
Besides playing all three outfield positions, the right-handed Johnson could help at the plate too. Last season, right-handed Dodger pinch hitters hit .224/.294/.271 in 120 plate appearances. As it stands now, the bench looks to be exclusively right handed, although the left-handed Doug Mientkiewicz seems likely to make the leap from non-roster invitee to bench contributor as well.
The 40-man roster is now full. This moves the estimated payroll to $95.68 million.
However, perhaps more importantly, Casey Blake and his wife presented his hometown school district of Indianola, Iowa with a check for $1 million tonight. If you want to read more, click on this story by Aaron Jaco of the Indianola Record Hearld, but be warned: you may not recognize The Beard clean shaven.
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how could Casey Blake betray us like that?
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 9:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
LOL- from The Beard to The Chin! :))
by sarcastro9 on Feb 1, 2010 10:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what the heck
First no arbitration to Wolfe and now this, this offseason can’t be happenning.
Woohoo, I get to look forward to another 7-6 season ("at best") in 2010! There's nothing like going to Idaho for a bowl game.
by S Jay Bruin on Feb 2, 2010 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
WTF!?!?
That is NOT Casey Blake. I do not believe it.
by lakersdodgersyankees4life on Feb 1, 2010 9:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
He looks so much younger without the beard, makes me want to believe his legs will hold up for the entire season.
by 68elcamino427 on Feb 1, 2010 10:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously…he looks so dang young. That is the real reason I have a beard, so one day I can take off 5 years with a quick shave with the blade.
by robotmadeofnails on Feb 2, 2010 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just before New Year’s I shaved my mustache off for the first time in thirty years. That was part of the motivation.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Feb 2, 2010 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I like the clean-
nevermind. Can’t keep a straight face.
by prosellis on Feb 1, 2010 9:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
With the 40-man now full, that probably lessens Lindblom’s chances of breaking camp as the 5th starter. They still need to clear room for Minky and probably Green or Berroa (likely cuts being Zerpa and one of Haeger/Stults). I still think JL will be up by May at the latest.
by silverwidow on Feb 1, 2010 9:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
mid june. I think the Dodgers will avoid a super two situation if they can with Lindblom.
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 9:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lindblom isn’t someone you really worry about eventual Super Two status.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not to say he isn’t a top prospect, but it’s unlikely he’ll command exorbitant dollars in arbitration. So in that respect, it’s OK to call him up in late May (as long as we get 6+ years of service instead of just 6).
by silverwidow on Feb 1, 2010 9:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I didn’t mean to downgrade him in that way.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
really? Just look at Jon Saunders. Any starting pitcher is almost guaranteed to get $3+ million in his first year of arbitration now. I don’t think the Dodgers want to start at the base for Lindblom if he’s a super 2
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 10:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Saunders has the gaudy win% at 48-22
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I added a note about performance incentives above, too.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Off topic
but Ryan Ballengee runs Waggle Room, the SB Nation golf blog. He does an awesome job, so much so that he got accepted into the Golf Writers Association of America. He gets to vote on awards and everything.
Huge win for the blogging world.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That's one small step for a blogger
and one huge leap for blogger-kind
by prosellis on Feb 1, 2010 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Feb 2, 2010 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Top 5 pitchers likely to get DFA’d this year:
1. Zerpa = Probably in spring training. LOOGY is an extreme long shot to make the club.
2. Haeger = He’s someone that could clear waivers and spend most of the year in ABQ again.
3. Stults = We could probably get a fringe prospect for him since he’s left handed and has thrown two ML shutouts.
4. Monasterios = Dodgers seem pretty high on him, but sticking on the 25 all year will be tough.
5. Cory Wade = Hate to say it, but his stuff is average at best and he’s an injury waiting to happen due to past overuse.
by silverwidow on Feb 1, 2010 9:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
That offer from Japan might end up being enough to get Stults after all.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 9:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Dodgers’ 40-man roster is full and it’s expected that at some point, a spot will have to be cleared for IF Nick Green.
Dylan Hernandez
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 9:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Dylan Hernandez also added:
The Dodgers remain interested in Jeff Weaver, but their roster situation could prevent them from offering him a major-league deal.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Another minor league deal seems about right for Weaver.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 10:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Chan Ho Park is probably going to have to take a minor league deal as well. Odd, since Philly was going to give him $3 million just to be Chan Ho Park.
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 10:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it seems tough to turn down $3m in this market.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just want to know who was going to give him a chance to start. It was clear to everyone but Park that he can’t start.
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh. Who do you want more DeWitt of Green? I can’t believe we are going to sacrifice a potential starting 2B for a backup SS, stupid.
by OB12 on Feb 2, 2010 5:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody’s been watching the British version of the office! :)
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 10:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if "redundant" means "an awful 'utility infielder' who can't even play shortstop
then I agree wholeheartedly. I can’t believe we are seriously going to start the year with carroll AND green on the roster. can’t dewitt or carroll handle shortstop three times a month? do they really think hu is appreciably worse than green with the bat?
(it could be worse: if you have a minute google “sabean hitler youtube”… it seems the fuhrer is not a big fan of the offseason signings – this should be the mccovey chronicles theme video)
by lchristmas on Feb 1, 2010 10:56 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
kengurnick
The Dodgers are talking to Jeff Weaver about returning as swingman and are monitoring the rehabs of Ching-Mien Wang and Noah Lowry.
by Tripon on Feb 1, 2010 10:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Wang = sure, but at what price?
Lowry = enough said
by Julio Nievas on Feb 1, 2010 10:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would love to have Wang since he still has a good deal of upside. We have enough arms to cover us until May or June when he should be ready.
by OB12 on Feb 2, 2010 5:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine no team signs him until Wang gets it up to the plate in front of scouts.
The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Feb 2, 2010 12:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I like
Weaver and his new arm slot delivery.
by robotmadeofnails on Feb 2, 2010 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Something I missed from the Reed Johnson press release
on first glance:
The Southern California native holds the distinction of being one of only four players in big league history to hit a leadoff home run and a walkoff homer in the same game. He turned the trick on June 15, 2003 with Toronto vs. the Cubs.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 1, 2010 11:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Cubs fan here.
You will love Reed Johnson. He plays with enthusiasm, decent defense at all 3 OF positions, and rakes LHP. His only issue is staying healthy.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Feb 2, 2010 5:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Gunna miss him
The pic reminds me, no O-Dawg this year {sniff}. A great one year fling.
by Bob Hendley on Feb 2, 2010 6:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
My wife
always picks her favorite Dodgers and then they leave. See Saito, T and Hudson, O
by robotmadeofnails on Feb 2, 2010 8:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My wife hasn't been the same
since Jason Werth left, though I think it had more to do with his tall good looking frame then it did with how he played baseball while a Dodger.
by meercatjohn on Feb 2, 2010 8:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Any chance we could persuade her to pick Jamie Carroll this season?
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 2, 2010 8:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I have no idea what that stands for :)
by Eric Stephen on Feb 2, 2010 9:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Best George Bush Smirk – thought it was obvious:)
by meercatjohn on Feb 2, 2010 10:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Modified Bessel–Gauss beams?
2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Feb 2, 2010 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My wife loves Casey, but perhaps not so much after I show her the Chin.
by RawhideBlue on Feb 2, 2010 9:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be a lot easier to root against the Dodgers
if Blake wasn’t such a humanitarian, donating so much to a school system so near my birthplace
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Feb 2, 2010 8:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
One Million from Blake
is quite impressive, he’s near the end of his earning curve and that is a huge % of his yearly income.
by meercatjohn on Feb 2, 2010 8:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Blake strikes me as the type that has lived within his means. He has probably managed his money well enough, to where he can comfortably make this donation. Hard not to like Blake.
by OB12 on Feb 2, 2010 8:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
He also seems like a really nice guy. I know that is all subjective, but I would buy him a pint.
by robotmadeofnails on Feb 2, 2010 9:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would move a trash can OUT of his way if he needed it.
by kinbote on Feb 2, 2010 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He is baseball’s nice guy. I always remember hearing about that when he was with the Indians. Then one time there was some kind of incident and the announcer said something like “when you anger the nicest guy in baseball you know there’s something wrong.”
Haha.
by Ivdown on Feb 2, 2010 10:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Essence of Beard (Where Has it Gone?)
To imagine such things could happen in life,
Giving a million bucks back, you and your wife.
Though that shows us you’re quite an honorable man,
More pressing questions are coming from this concerned fan.
Now Casey what have you gone and done?
Did you do it for spite? reputation? the kids or for fun?
Though you may not believe it you are known as the “beard”.
Calling you “Chin” would seem a little weird.
We love your defense and last years bat was quite good,
But how do we manage when your face isn’t like wood?
Perhaps we can make it if you new face adds youth,
Cause if you hit over .300 we don’t care about the truth.
Your hammy was sore but perhaps that was the beard,
Every time you missed a game the worst was feared.
But a clean shaven Blake could possibly be the key,
Now don’t hurt yourself, get on base, don’t worry about being over thirty.
Your fans just hope your strength wasn’t in your extra hair.
Stranger things have happen in Dodger Blue. Let’s keep things fair.
If you’re not hitting well by the beginning of June, agree to this wrinkle…
GROW IT BACK OUT and longer than Rip Van Winkle!!
Go Dodgers! Go Beard!
by RawhideBlue on Feb 2, 2010 9:04 AM PST reply actions 3 recs
Yankee fans over at Fack Youk bring us the real reason Reed Johnson chose the Dodgers over the Yankees…facial hair. Funny stuff.
by Eric Stephen on Feb 2, 2010 9:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
That’s good. What a man of principle! But wait, now we have to come up with another nickname? “the Goat” or “Goatee” or "Chinley"or “Beard Jr”. So much to do in the offseason…
by RawhideBlue on Feb 2, 2010 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's easy to hate
stuff like Jamie Carroll for two years (why?), having no real backup SS, but I have to say I am satisfied with Ned’s offseason given all the constraints he had to work with.
by LA Taco on Feb 2, 2010 10:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I agree there's really not much he can do with such limited resources
thankfully they at least are keeping the core around and got their arbitration extentions done.
Woohoo, I get to look forward to another 7-6 season ("at best") in 2010! There's nothing like going to Idaho for a bowl game.
by S Jay Bruin on Feb 2, 2010 10:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NPUT – thanks to Rawhide
http://www.truebluela.com/2010/2/2/1289077/the-essence-of-beard-where-has-it
by meercatjohn on Feb 2, 2010 10:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
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