Dan Johnson DFAed

by larry on Apr 9, 2008 12:01 PM PDT Comment 102 comments

Per Susan Slusser:

"Dan Johnson's agent, Bobby Barad, tells me that the A's have just informed the first baseman that he has been designated for assignment. That means they have 10 days to put Johnson on waivers, trade him or release him."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=21&entry_id=25562

Obviously paves the way for Smith to be added to the 25 and 40 man.

Thank you and good night.

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He was the best third-string first baseman in Oakland history.

"Looks like you brought two too many."

by BWH on Apr 9, 2008 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Cant say im suprised.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Apr 9, 2008 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hope he gets some playing time somewhere

MLBlackout.wordpress.com - Help put an end to MLB.tv blackouts

by HigherPie on Apr 9, 2008 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Who is this person Slusser talking about?

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Apr 9, 2008 12:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Forget Slusser, who the hell is Slosser?!?

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Apr 9, 2008 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't he make that documentary or something?

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 9, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

really surprised that they didn't just punt ...

... and push Chavez to the 60-day DL retroactive to date X.

Given the recent news about Chavez, I can't imagine he'll be back in game shape by the end of May.

Maybe another one of Beane's "favors," giving DJ an opportunity to possibly catch on and get PT with someone else?

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 12:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

because 60-day DLing Chavy doesn't get Smith onto the 25 man roster.

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Apr 9, 2008 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ's playing matchmaker for Paul Thomas?

by phastphill on Apr 9, 2008 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was just waiting for someone to make that joke

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

New participant, easily baited.

by phastphill on Apr 9, 2008 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not surprised

i mean it's all his fault they're moving to Fremont..

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Visting Giants fan here

I've got a feeling he'll land on our team. I'm not sure why everyone on our side is clamoring over Johnson, none of his statistics really impress me that much but I guess when Rich Aurilia is your starting 1B, you can't get much worse. He still looks like a below average 1B to me.

I wanted to hear from A's fans what they thought on Johnson?

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

he's better than 2/3 of your team!

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can't measure heart, grit, or gamerness via stats!

Though you're probably right, ugh!

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

the giants are "gamers"

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice guy, good quote, bizarre injuries.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His OPS+ last year was 108

The highest OPS+ on the Giants last year from a player not named Bonds was 107.

by mikev on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Rowand 2007 OPS+ 123

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 9, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Rowand wasn't on the Giants last year.

by mikev on Apr 9, 2008 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, but he is this year so you have to compare Johnson to him

I don't see how comparing Johnson to guys who used to be on the Giants does anything in figuring out how he'd fit in there.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 9, 2008 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was comparing last years stats, that's how.

by mikev on Apr 9, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently this thread has degenerated

to the point of comparing johnsons.

by Dilferules on Apr 9, 2008 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do people call Aurilia "Dick"?

Hi ho.

by danh on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, that's what they called Bonds.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 10, 2008 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DO NOT allow him to apply his own sunscreen.

Otherwise, he's a franchise player for your team.

MLBlackout.wordpress.com - Help put an end to MLB.tv blackouts

by HigherPie on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't he blind himself or something? That's awesome.

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is below average

The thing is, the Giants first basemen right now are below replacement level.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dunno..

i think dj could thrive in the NL

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If by "thrive" you mean "hit 10-15 OPS points better in neutral parks,"

yeah.

The NL is not THAT much easier than the AL.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think if he's given consistent playing time

in the NL, he will do much better than he did here. And he wasn't even that bad here, he couldn't hit for average, but he at least got on base and had an OPS+ of 108 last year.

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The NL West has some pretty good pitchers

The Dback had an ERA+ of 114 2nd in the NL in 2007 behind the Cubs; Rockies had an ERA+ of 111 3nd in the NL in 2007. Dodgers 109, 4th, Padres 108, 5th .

The Dbacks just added Haren, the Dodgers added Kuroda.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Apr 9, 2008 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah i was thinking about the pitching in the NL west

i guess i'm still living in what, 2006 when the AL won 2/3 of the interleague games? That's a bigger difference than a first and last place team.

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't the NL have a reputation as a fastbal league?

I don't recall DJ having problems with them, it was just the other pitches.....;)

by OldhamA on Apr 9, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree. Guys moving from the AL to the NL pick up half a win

according to guys like Tango and MGL.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 9, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you mean

the same way BZ was predicted to thrive in the NL...

by sf drift king on Apr 10, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's true

Our ability to find crappy first basemen is almost impressive. When your plan is to convert your 5th OF into a 1B, you've got some problems.

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he can replace benige as your cleanup hitter

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I find this genuinely astounding

The Giants are the only team I've ever seen try to convert players to positions that are further DOWN the defensive spectrum because they can't find anyone to play those positions. (While simultaneously ignoring the jillions of minor leaguers like Val Pascucci and Chris Shelton who could outhit their current assortment.)

Hey, be thankful there's no DH in the NL. Otherwise Sabean would be using it to try to squeeze Neifi Perez's bat into the lineup.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously.

It is really weird. We haven't had league average production from 1B since JT Snow's bizzaro 2004 season.

I was a big advocate for Shelton when he was available or really any AAAA slugger.

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good stuff: great patience, lots of BBs. Decent power.
Bad stuff: Horrible approach, rolls over on every single outside pitch. I don't think he's ever hit the ball to left field.
If you don't include Molinas, he is one of the 5 slowest guys in the majors. Soul crushing number of groundouts to the right side.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 9, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad stuff: Horrible approach, rolls over on every single outside pitch. I don't think he's ever hit the ball to left field.
If you don't include Molinas, he is one of the 5 slowest guys in the majors. Soul crushing number of groundouts to the right side.

Sounds like he'll fit right in. How are his GIDP hitting abilities? I'm afraid he'll have to work on them if he wants to be a true Giant.

http://www.baycityball.com

by xanthan on Apr 9, 2008 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you mean a true

"gamer"

"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra

by Cheezombie on Apr 9, 2008 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exceptional.

by OldhamA on Apr 9, 2008 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

don't think he's ever hit the ball to ~~left field~~ shortstop.

Like many pull hitters, he can hit the ball in the air to the opposite field, but he never hits it on the ground that way. You can shift on him every day of the week.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can bring about what Zito has

nothing

by HRH on Apr 9, 2008 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He'd be a great fit with the Gnats

After all, a roster with a Bocock, a Merkin, and a Lincecum is just begging for a Johnson.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on Apr 9, 2008 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

get Pujols too...

Baseball is not necessarily an obsessive-compulsive disorder, like washing your hands 100 times a day, but it's beginning to seem that way. We're reaching the point where you can be a truly dedicated, state-of-the-art fan or you can have a life. Take your pick. ~Thomas Boswell, Washington Post, 13 April 1990

by 149 on Apr 9, 2008 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And then all they need is Willy Aybar.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Apr 9, 2008 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First Zito

now DJ...

you guys are like the Oakland A's landfill

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Apr 9, 2008 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

May I use that as my sig?

Considering the fact that some of the joy this season might be how much better we are than the giants.

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Apr 10, 2008 6:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might want to hold off on that

given that the A's are now starting two players who were non-tendered by the Royals.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 10, 2008 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

David Ortiz was non-tendered, too.

Just sayin

by mikev on Apr 10, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The FIRST PLACE Royals! Ha!

They're so good, they didn't need Sweeney or Brown or Murphy.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 10, 2008 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bonus DJ Poetic Interlude

Dan's Stick

[Original lyrics here.]

[Video performance here.]

Dan's stick off the bench of Oakland
Dan's stick to the streets of San Francisco?
I wonder to myself
Could life put one over on Sabean again?
The SoMa street that they play on
I wonder to myself
Hopes may rise on the waiver wire
But Danny Boy, you'll not play here
So you're cut down
Like that switch-hitting clown
But there's Dan's stick on the streets of Pittsburgh
Houston, Tampa Bay, Washington
I wonder to myself

Call up the rookies
DFA the blessed DJ
Because the at-bats he could not consistently play
HE CAN'T HIT TO LEFT FIELD TO SAVE HIS LIFE
Waive the blessed DJ
Because the at-bats he could not consistently play

On the SoMa streets in your SF town
Sub-replacement clowns you trot out
Claim the DJ, claim the DJ, claim the DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ, DFA DJ
CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ
CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ
CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ
CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ
DFA DJ, DFA DJ
CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ, CLAIM THE DJ
DFA DJ

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 12:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As an aging Smiths fanatic, I salute you, monkeyball!

Excellent job.

by Ray of Lite on Apr 9, 2008 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ty

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and, I just realized this ...

... the band name is most apt for the callup of the player to take DJ's roster spot.

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay! A song I know! ;)

Ver' nice.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 9, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure I know who The Smiths are

The name seems familiar, but that could just be because Smith is the most common name.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 9, 2008 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, I was in a pretty good mood today

before I read your comment and started feeling older than dirt... ;)

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 9, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're...old?

I figured they were a newew band since I like very little that was made after, say, 1997.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Apr 9, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

HANG THE JD

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A well-respected group of somewhat depressing English 80s rockers

Fronted by Morrissey. Tend to be lumped in with the Cure, though I bet that pisses off not a few Smiths fans out there...

by Joey C. on Apr 9, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For what it's worth . . .

I think Morrissey was not only an extraordinary lyricist, a lot of his lyrics were quite funny.

by Ray of Lite on Apr 9, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dig it

Haven't heard a ton of his stuff, but I've been told by those in the know just what you said.

by Joey C. on Apr 9, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the guitar player's in Modest Mouse now...

...and they sound mighty fine.

"Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 10, 2008 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

... and they're opening for R.E.M. at the Greek next month

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 10, 2008 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

You're like a magician at turning these things out quickly.

by Blez on Apr 9, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morrissey's easy

The Dylan one took a couple days.

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 9, 2008 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morrissey is easy

by rebus on Apr 10, 2008 12:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slap hitters of the world

clear waivers and get sent down!

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Apr 9, 2008 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

...bet we would have the same record collection if there were still records...

by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

a lot of overlap, I'm sure

Every time you drop music/art refs, we're generally on the same page.

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 10, 2008 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

remember when the Angels pulled the shift for DJ?

I think it was the Angels, and maybe a few other teams. I was really high on this guy. And then there was all that stuff about the eye problems. It will be interesting to see how he does with another team. Frankly, I won't be surprised either way--if he's a bust or a star.

by alamedaman on Apr 9, 2008 1:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In memory of DJ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SlTvSUCCqPo

Ghost ride it!

by 33SwisherSweet on Apr 9, 2008 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

awesome!

still side-splitting funny.

by phastphill on Apr 9, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is the best thing DJ brought us

by HRH on Apr 9, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My nephews are named

Ben and Nate. Not that they had anything to do with this...ahem.

by Blez on Apr 9, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's should get Nick Noonan from the Giants

give the A's some middle infield depth.

by echerrst on Apr 9, 2008 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So, you're suggesting they deal them Suzuki as well as Johnson?

Noonan is-- I know this is tough to imagine because it's the Giants, but bear with me here-- actually a good player.

They're not going to fork him over for nothing more than a guy who just got waived.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's Sabean

Any bad trade is possible.

by richwol1 on Apr 9, 2008 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beane does not have much leverage

with DJ DFAd, with the Giants having a bad record last season, and a pretty good shot at getting DJ via waivers.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Apr 9, 2008 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i see your point

but why suzuki...random

President of the Joey Devine fan club as of 1/15/08. Accepting applications for other positions. "He has no equivalent." -Paul DePodesta on Jeremy Brown

by flipgatey3 on Apr 9, 2008 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very

but the Giants don't especially need outfielders or pitchers and the A's have no infielders to give them, really.

You could substitute any fairly well-regarded A's player there and the point would still hold.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the official notice

of DJ's DFA and Smith's being called up is appearing on MLB.com's website, although not yet on the A's site:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/index.jsp

by OaklandSi on Apr 9, 2008 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

2:55 pm PDT now it's there

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=oak

by OaklandSi on Apr 9, 2008 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least

we don't have to hear that damn "go dj" song.. that's a bonus

by drink409 on Apr 9, 2008 2:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

that's a good song

President of the Joey Devine fan club as of 1/15/08. Accepting applications for other positions. "He has no equivalent." -Paul DePodesta on Jeremy Brown

by flipgatey3 on Apr 9, 2008 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

couldn't agree more

by butler19 on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sad...

I held out hope long beyond it being rational that Dan Johnson could get over his slump. I think it's fair to say that his slump was, in all likelihood, a career-long one. I'll still resist calling him a AAAA player, but it's hard to imagine him catching on as a regular with anyone but the Giants at this point.

(Formerly known as "Nebraska")

The Pastime -- A Minor Consideration -- Catfish Stew

by Ryan Armbrust on Apr 9, 2008 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he can be succesful in the NL, look at Kendall

and Kotsay is hitting well, now that he is back in the NL

by theblackpearl on Apr 9, 2008 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He always seemed like a decent guy...

...and for that I wish him well and hope he gets a decent shot to play, which would probably mean the Giants. Playing 1B for the Giants has got to beat driving a potato chip truck.

"Rebuilding" is loser mentality.

by UncleLeo on Apr 9, 2008 3:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Depends on what kind of chip.

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Apr 9, 2008 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not better than driving a Ruffles truck,

but better than driving a Granny Goose truck.

by Dilferules on Apr 9, 2008 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't place very much stock in what this rumor site says

But they think DJ is going to the Giants for a couple prospects

Works for me.

by mikev on Apr 9, 2008 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd accept one

preferably if he arrived with a bat and a few baseballs in his bag.

If he was under 30 years of age it would be even better.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 9, 2008 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be a nice bonus

Hopefully it's players in the low minors with some sort of upside. I dont' know too much about the Giants system so I don't know what would be there for the taking.

by DiegoAsFan on Apr 10, 2008 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs