Archive for December 19th, 2008

Dec 19

[HOT STOVE] Dan Johnson Sold To Japan

Dan Johnson, Gabe Gross, Jonathon Papelbon Cork Gaines 6 Comments »

[Update: 11:09pm] Marc Topkin comes through with the details (as usual). Johnson is being sold. The details are still being finalized and the Rays are likely to receive between $100K and $500K. Johnson will then sign a one-year deal with Yokohama with an option for 2010.

[10:20pm] If we are reading this right, and we like to think…ah never mind. Who are we kidding? Our Japanese sucks. We have no idea if we are reading this right, but the Rays may be on the verge of trading the rights to Dan Johnson to the Yokohama BayStars of the Central League in Japan.

Brace yourselves for six degrees of Dan Johnson…

The original report is from Nikkansports.com (here is the poorly translated version). The first English interpretation comes via NPB Tracker, via Rays Report. Got it? Didn’t think so.

Yokohama as the new foreign players Rays infielder Dan Johnson (29) to win 18, 2007, the sources said. Has already agreed to move, the team will be announced soon.

There is no mention of a “trade” in any of the reports or what the Rays would receive in return. However, Johnson is still on the Rays’ 40-man roster, the report says he has agreed to the move and we can assume the Rays will receive cash considerations. Johnson would have been arbitration-eligible following the 2009 season.

It is rare, but not unheard of to sell the rights of an American player to Japan. Last month, the Rangers sold the rights to Kameron Loe to Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.

Johnson was claimed off of waivers in April from the Oakland A’s. He was designated for assignment and assigned to Durham six days later when the Rays acquired Gabe Gross. He was recalled in September and in his first at bat hit maybe the most important home run of the season for the Rays off of Jonathon Papelbon in the 9th inning of a game in Fenway to help the Rays remain in first place.

Tampa Bay Rays ship celebrated pinch-hitter Dan Johnson to Japan [St. Pete Times]
Dan Johnson left the long-awaited cannon Hama [Nikkan Sports]
Dan Johnson is the Latest MLB’er on his Way to Japan [NPB Tracker]
Momentary Rays hero headed for Japan [Rays Report]
Rangers Sell Loe To Japanese Team [MLB Trade Rumors]

Dec 19

[THE ARCHIVES] One Year Ago On Rays Index

The Archives Cork Gaines No Comments »

One year ago on Rays Index we were the first website to report on Raymond’s makeover and after closer examination of the “before” and “after” photos, we were suddenly worried that his name would appear in the yet-to-be unveiled “San Diego Chicken Report” on the use of “Mascot Performance Enhancing Drugs.”

Raymond’s Make-Over Draws Comparisons To Barry Bonds And Roger Clemens [Rays Index]

Dec 19

[THE HANGOVER] Red Sox Say They Are Out Of Teixeira Sweepstakes

Grant Balfour, Mark Teixeira, Ozzie Timmons, Rocco Baldelli Cork Gaines 9 Comments »

Just the links today.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • I appeared with Tyler Hissey yesterday on the “Rays Digest Podcast.” If you missed it, you can catch all the action here. [Rays Digest]
  • In a surprising turn of events, the Red Sox say they are out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. [MLB Trade Rumors]
  • The Charlotte Stone Crabs unveiled their new logos and uniforms. We likey. Especially the batting practice cap with the Stone Crab logo and the alternate cap that is powder blue with a navy blue brim and “C” being clawed by a Stone Crab’s claw. [Stone Crabs] [Here are the alternate caps]
  • Joe Henderson says the Rays can’t be sentimental when it comes to resigning Rocco Baldelli. [Tampa Tribune]
  • The Rays Party projects the Rays’ 25-man roster. [The Rays Party]
  • Major League Baseball has been giving away the “This Year In Baseball” awards. The awards are based on fan voting which is why we didn’t even mention when Joe Maddon and Evan Longoria took home the TYIBs for Manager and Rookie of the Year. But it is worth mentioning that Grant Balfour placed second for the 2008 Setup Man of the Year. Middle relievers rarely get recognized, and it is nice to see some people noticed how dominating Balfour was this season. One of the most dominating in history. [MLB]
  • Former major leaguer Ozzie Timmons is the new hitting coach for the Montgomery Biscuits. [Biscuit Crumbs]