Dec 19
[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]
Oct 20
Somebody at the 4-letter thinks the Red Sox will now pull off the greatest comeback in the history of baseball, coming back from a 4 games to 3 deficit. Well, Bristol is in the heart of Red Sox Nation. (Thanks Brett).
We have now watched the 8th and 9th innings about a dozen times. One thing we didn’t notice last night was the incredible play that Aki Iwamura made on the final out. The ball takes a wicked (pun intended) hop and nearly goes over Aki’s head. If he misses that ball, it is first and third and things are suddenly very scary.
Also, let’s not forget the one guy that has worn the Devil Rays/Rays uniform longer than anybody else and knows the pain of the first 10 years more than most, Scott Cursi. The Rays bullpen catcher has been warming up pitchers since 1999. Congrats Scott, you earned it.
Finally, last week we took exception when one Red Sox blogger wrote about Carl Crawford and his “gangster neck tattoo”. This week, Red Sox bloggers are back at it. This time courtesy of Surviving Grady.
Especially that punk-ass Carl Crawford, who you know is just an injury away from boosting car stereos.
Stay classy Red Sox Nation.
(The image after the Webtopia is from the Boston Globe)
DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- Some photos from the game 7 celebration. [Tampa Tribune]
- A recap of the game (with unfortunate appearance from Steve Harvey) from the guys at “The Dugout”. [Fanhouse]
- It is impossible to overstate exactly how big David Price was in game 7. [Big League Stew]
- 10 reasons to watch the World Series. [SI.com]
- One writer at Bugs and Cranks is bracing himself in anticipation of having to get a Rayhawk after losing a bet. [Bugs and Cranks]
- Boston Irish will be rooting for the Phillies in the World Series because the Rays fan base “haven’t exactly earned this as yet”. They also hate the idea of all the “punk, spoilt, brash NBA star types” on the Rays being champs…Jonathon Papelbon? Something comes to mind about a pot and a kettle and grapes that may or may not be sour. [Boston Irish]
- Apparently, the Rays were just practicing for these postseason celebrations back in May. [The Sports Hernia]
- Coolest Rayhawk yet? [Deadspin]
- Dick Vitale was his usual passive self last night…Ahh, who are we kidding, the dude went batshit crazy. [Bugs and Cranks]
- Big League Stew debates whether Terry Francona stuck with Jason Varitek too long. [Big League Stew]
- Jordi Scrubbings spoke to Sports On My Mind about the Rays, prior to game 7. [Sports On My Mind]
- The cover of today’s Boston Globe (thanks Scot). [Boston Globe]
- The Rays may have ended the Red Sox captain’s career in Boston. [Boston Score]
