Trading for Nick Johnson
April 7, 2008, 4:58 pm
The guys at RAB (with MLBTR) bring up the recent rumor that Nick Johnson could be available and the SF Giants reportedly have an interest in him (when one looks at their inherently anemic offense, it’s easy to understand why). Johnson would be a quality 1B on any team, health permitting, and the Yankees could possibly pursue him if Giambi’s minor groin injury becomes a long-term issue. However, it is also important to note that Dmitri Young, who has been relegated to backup duties since Johnson’s reemergence, had his starting job taken away for a reason, largely because he reported to camp out of shape, allowing his diabetes to become an even greater issue that could effect his on-field performance. He’s also dealt with some more recent back issues to begin the season and, while I would love to see Johnson back in a Yankee uniform, it would certainly be difficult for the Nationals to part with him (he’s also cheap).
i hope the nationals keep nick johnson. i dont know his contract status, but what could san francisco really have to offer for johnson? johnson is arguably the best hitter in that lineup. contract pending, the nats need to hold on to nick johnson, as he has yet to perform up to his ability. i am a bigtime new york met fan, but have always rooted for nick johnson. when he came up with the yankees he proved he could be a solid and opportunistic hitter, with a little bit of pop in his bat. the yankees dealt johnson to make room for giambi, which doesnt look like such a good idea. every big market free agent is always a good match for the team with the most money. johnson has always been in the background, and looks poised for a breakout year.
johnson had a great year i believe in 2006, but due to his leg break, he wasn’t able to duplicate those numbers since. he’s one of the better 1B options, i feel, in all of baseball and is tremendously underrated. he can get on base, drive in runs, and he can do everything, as you said, really well. i would say that zimmerman and johnson are the two best hitters for the nats, and the giants would have to offer up one of their young arms to get a hold on him (maybe kevin correia, i know they wouldn’t offer lincecum or cain).
I’m a big Nats fan, and although I really do like Nick Johnson and root for him on a nightly basis, I think it would be in the Nats best interest to deal him for a prospect or two. The Nats have Chris Marrero in the farm system and could use some starting pitching or a SS. What do any of you guys think the Yanks could offer the Nats for Nick?
First, thanks for stopping by and thanks for the info. From what I’ve read, Marrero is still fairly young (18-19?) and even if Dmitri Young (is he on the 15-day DL?) were to fill in while Johnson was traded, I don’t think Marrero would be ready by then. Of course, if the Nats could get a nice pitching prospect for Johnson, someone who could possibly help them now and in the future, they could possibly bite. But, if they lose Johnson, Young may not be a reliable player. If the Yanks were seriously interested and if Johnsons demonstrates he’s totally healthy, they could eventually offer a package of a Kei Igawa (I know, but he could do well in the NL) with some other relief prospects or Jeff Marquez or maybe even Alan Horne.
I don’t think the Yankees should try to sign a first baseman anytime soon. Posada has one or two years left behind the dish and it seems logical for him to move to first for the last 2 years of his contract. Damon has 2 years left on his deal and he might be a good fit at first because he always has leg issues. First base is one of the easier positions to fill and I wouldn’t deal a decent arm like Horne to get a guy (Johnson) who isn’t that much better than Giambi. That said, I liked Johnson when he was with the Yankees and he would obviously help them in the short run.
I agree. Posada could be a great 1B (or Damon) in a few years.
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