Who Didn't See This Coming?

[rico43]

The Indians have released Chris Johnson, per the club’s transactions page at MLB.com. Johnson was designated for assignment earlier this month.

Johnson, 31, has a career slash line of .280/.316/.411 across seven big league seasons. He first arrived in Atlanta prior to the 2013 season as a part of the Justin Upton deal. This year, he was shipped to the Indians in a waiver trade that saw Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, and cash considerations go to the Braves.

Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5MM contract prior to the 2014 season. Then 29 years old, Johnson was coming off a career year in which he batted .321/.358/.457 with 12 homers. However, much of that production was the result of a .394 batting average on balls in play, and his overall numbers have come back down to Earth as his BABIP regressed to his career norm. He hasn’t looked like an ~$8MM player as of late, but he could be a useful platoon bat given his success against lefties.

[blueagleace1]

The Indians have released Chris Johnson, per the club’s transactions page at MLB.com. Johnson was designated for assignment earlier this month.

Johnson, 31, has a career slash line of .280/.316/.411 across seven big league seasons. He first arrived in Atlanta prior to the 2013 season as a part of the Justin Upton deal. This year, he was shipped to the Indians in a waiver trade that saw Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, and cash considerations go to the Braves.

Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5MM contract prior to the 2014 season. Then 29 years old, Johnson was coming off a career year in which he batted .321/.358/.457 with 12 homers. However, much of that production was the result of a .394 batting average on balls in play, and his overall numbers have come back down to Earth as his BABIP regressed to his career norm. He hasn’t looked like an ~$8MM player as of late, but he could be a useful platoon bat given his success against lefties.

Can see him landing in Milwaukee.

[clvclv]

Really hate to say it, but I could even see him landing back in Atlanta if KJ was signed - a CJ/KJ platoon at 3B wouldn't exactly be "awful" - assuming Fredi was made to make it a strict platoon of course.

[mossy]

I'd be shocked if the Braves took him back.

[GovClintonTyree]

Well, there's the stopgap third baseman many have been clamoring for.

I don't think he's bad in the clubhouse. He's just a red ass. Every team can use some of that. Who on this club would take out a Gatorade cooler? Markakis is too busy Leading by Example and Playing the Game the Right Way.

[50PoundHead]

Terrible player and a true jackass.

I always laugh. I'm not a big Francoeur fan, but half the people in this place would love to see Jeff strung up by his thumbs for his poor plate discipline and general thick-headedness, yet somehow seem to think Chris Johnson is an answer to any question when he's as bad or worse than Francoeur in both departments.

Whoever was responsible for the Johnson extension should have been fired on the spot.

[zbhargrove]

Really hate to say it, but I could even see him landing back in Atlanta if KJ was signed - a CJ/KJ platoon at 3B wouldn't exactly be "awful" - assuming Fredi was made to make it a strict platoon of course.

You don't take on the contracts of Swisher and Bourn if there's a chance he's ever coming back. You've heard how desperate the organization was to get rid of him... you know that's never going to happen... and I really hope it doesn't. I want to see Garcia get a legit shot anyways, its not like we're going to be competing... may as well see what we have.

[clvclv]

You don't take on the contracts of Swisher and Bourn if there's a chance he's ever coming back. You've heard how desperate the organization was to get rid of him... you know that's never going to happen... and I really hope it doesn't. I want to see Garcia get a legit shot anyways, its not like we're going to be competing... may as well see what we have.

Hold on a second - I didn't say it'd be something any of us would "want" - I just said I wouldn't be surprised. He'd be a "cheap" (since we'd be picking him up on waivers) half of what could be a pretty productive platoon with KJ since the company line is that they're trying to win as many games as possible - and he could be released at any point without having to pay him next season since the Indians are now on the hook for that. If Garcia isn't going to be given the job, a CJ/KJ platoon would be a much better option than committing 3-4 years to David Freese or someone like Ian Desmond (who would also cost a draft pick that I wouldn't personally be willing to give up) IMO.

I've long been in the camp that wants to see several of these younger guys get a REAL shot - Garcia in particular - I've said as much several times. I agree we're going nowhere, so this is the perfect "sink or swim" opportunity for several players - not just Garcia. I'm also in favor of giving the last two rotation slots to Folty and Banuelos right out of the gate WITH the understanding that they're going to become relievers if they're unsuccessful in making the adjustments required to start (or able to stay healthy) at the major league level. Blair, Newcomb, Jenkins, and Sims will be beating on the door by midseason (assuming they chose to start Blair in Gwinnett to give both guys a shot), and Perez and Weber have proven themselves capable of bridging the gap to them if needed.

[bravesfanMatt]

Hold on a second - I didn't say it'd be something any of us would "want" - I just said I wouldn't be surprised. He'd be a "cheap" (since we'd be picking him up on waivers) half of what could be a pretty productive platoon with KJ since the company line is that they're trying to win as many games as possible - and he could be released at any point without having to pay him next season since the Indians are now on the hook for that. If Garcia isn't going to be given the job, a CJ/KJ platoon would be a much better option than committing 3-4 years to David Freese or someone like Ian Desmond (who would also cost a draft pick that I wouldn't personally be willing to give up) IMO.

I've long been in the camp that wants to see several of these younger guys get a REAL shot - Garcia in particular - I've said as much several times. I agree we're going nowhere, so this is the perfect "sink or swim" opportunity for several players - not just Garcia. I'm also in favor of giving the last two rotation slots to Folty and Banuelos right out of the gate WITH the understanding that they're going to become relievers if they're unsuccessful in making the adjustments required to start (or able to stay healthy) at the major league level. Blair, Newcomb, Jenkins, and Sims will be beating on the door by midseason (assuming they chose to start Blair in Gwinnett to give both guys a shot), and Perez and Weber have proven themselves capable of bridging the gap to them if needed.

Adonis is still killing it in winter ball.. I know that doesn't get close to equating to MLB.. but it still screams, "hey look at me.. give me a shot..."

his line as of today..
.370 AVG, .430 OBP, .513 Slg, .948 OPS, 11 Ks to 10 BB, 3 Hrs, 2 3B, 7 2B, 22 RBI and 7 SB to 1 CS.. all this in 36 games and 135 ABs.