Comments on: M’s Extend Johjima

By: galaxieboi

galaxieboi — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:58:44 +0000

I thought there’d be even more outrage after the dollar amount was disclosed. That’s criminal, man. $8M a year?

By: manifestus

manifestus — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:45:18 +0000

Maybe they intend to replace Vidro with Johjima at DH! More likely, they saw all the Sizemore/Longoria et al. contracts being handed out and really wanted to get into this whole business of locking up players, except they interpreted it as, “lets show we that we can lock up our veteraness — you know, just in case any more Willie’s or Cairo’s show up on the scene”.

By: 1000N

1000N — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:03:32 +0000

If Clement was magically going to be an even average MLB catcher, it would have already happened. That it hasn’t already suggests he doesn’t really have big league talent for catching.

This assertion would only follow if he were in an organization other than Seattle’s. The most depressing thing about the contract extension is not that we’re stuck with Kenji for almost four more seasons, although I admit I’m cringing thinking of all the base-on-balls we won’t be getting from the catcher’s spot over that period of time. No, the most depressing thing for me is the feeling of utter helplessness and hopelessness that the signing left me with.

By: currcoug

currcoug — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:52:31 +0000

My guess is that Raul will strongly resist becoming the DH.

By: westfried

westfried — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:41:13 +0000

If anyone is immediately in jeopardy, I actually think it would be Vidro.

Remember when Adam Jones came up to ride the pine? The Mariners went on and on about how much a player can learn from sitting on the bench. Getting the big lieague experience ™.

Now, look at current state of the M’s, Clement, etc. Vidro’s in shambles. Realistically, Raul should move to DH and be replaced in left by a Kenny Lofton or similar player. But MacLaren loves Raul’s defense, so that won’t happen.

Clement’s hitting, but still needs to learn how to catch in the MLB. If the M’s really think players learn best by their non-game work in the bigs, then Clement to DH solves all of their problems. They get his bat. He gets to learn from the big league workouts.

Plus, for a learning catcher, DH is even better than 1B – while the rest of the players are on the field, he can discuss pitch calling real-time with the coaches. Keep Burke as the true “backup”, but you can still slot Jeff in for an occasional taste of the action, resting Kenji at DH.

(And, if they ever do wise up about Raul’s defense, the M’s can still put him at 1B in place of Richie’s carcass.)

By: gwangung

gwangung — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:56:03 +0000

It’s frustrating to see so many teams getting younger and locking up young players. The Mariners have been going in the opposite direction for years, signing players well past their prime years and trading away young stars. It is really frustrating.

That’s a sign of incompetent organizational philosophy. You see it time and time again in losing teams, overpaying for veterans and “sure things”.

By: mremis

mremis — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:28:04 +0000

It’s frustrating to see so many teams getting younger and locking up young players. The Mariners have been going in the opposite direction for years, signing players well past their prime years and trading away young stars. It is really frustrating.

I can’t wait until Bavasi is fired so there can be a post recapping all of his moves.

By: diderot

diderot — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:54:11 +0000

Let’s just take this for what it is.
1) Jeff Nelson is a racist–always has been, always will be; and an equal opportunity racist–anyone different from him will do
2) This is absolutely Bavasi’s last season with the M’s. 50/50 that he will make it through the season
3) The idea of having Joh and Clement share catching in some fashion (hopefully with Clement also at DH on off days) is not the worst of things
4) If you think the Yamauchi connection had any part of this–that doesn’t make you a racist. It could well be true
5) The upside of this early season bullpen collapse against poor opponents is that Balentien and Clement will be up at, or shortly after the All Star break; and the bullpen can’t possibly help but improve

By: BringUpBalentien

BringUpBalentien — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:54:11 +0000

sorry about that, I thought I was on the game post…D’oh!

By: BringUpBalentien

BringUpBalentien — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:53:24 +0000

There’s something wrong with Batista…no way! thanks for that pearl of wisdom, Rizzs.
It’s BAEK TIME!!!