Randy Johnson

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:08 AM EST

I couldn't really fit this right into a fanshot. I just wanted to throw it out there, would Randy Johnson be a good fit for the Royals, and more importantly, would the price be right?

MLBTR report that the DBacks lowballed Johnson with a 2-3 million deal, while he reportedly might have settled for about 8.

So to cut to the chase, could one year of Randy Johnson at about 8-12 million push the Royals into serious playoff contention? Bill James already has us at 85-90 wins, with everything clicking perfectly. In the least it would be great to see him pitch in person for the first time. Dude is a serious pitching legend. And also, he would get his 300th win in Royal blue. Would it be crazy to offer an optional second year? Incentive laden contract? Just food for thought.

Randy Johnson in 2008

184 IP 3.91ERA/117ERA+ 173K/44BB 305 BABIP (303 career)

Thoughts? Rants? Raves?

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Haven't checked his projection

and there is buzz in the intelligent blogosphere that he would be a good bargain for a middle-of-the-rotation guy. I guess I still think this is the kind of opporunity teams closer to contention the Royals should take, while the Royals need to be finding out what they have in Hochevar, Bannister, Davies, Rosa, etc. Also, Johnson’s last foray in the AL didn’t go so well.

Still, if he came really cheap, it might be worth taking a shot to improve the record, and perhaps deal him at the deadline.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:32 AM EST 0 recs

Yeah

I meant to add a link to the Fan Graphs blurb about him, but I pressed POST before thinking it through.

Bill James Projects

3.40 ERA 170 IP 178 K 41 BB

In Arizona obviously.

And here’s the link I meant to include

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:41 AM EST up 0 recs

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/free-agent-bargain-randy-johnson/

There!

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:41 AM EST up 0 recs

i did not know his #s were that good

but seriously… NL starting pitching was pretty effing weak, its the biggest difference between the leagues

his ERA +s of 112 and 90 with NY scare me

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:46 AM EST up 0 recs

was he in NY twice?

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:46 AM EST up 0 recs

FWIW

He had a 4.27 ERA in 2006 in NY

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:49 AM EST up 0 recs

I meant 4.27 FIP ERA

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:49 AM EST up 0 recs

Randy And Magic

Have two of the greatest unintentional pornstar names of all time.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 14, 2008 12:38 AM EST 0 recs

Definitely agreed!

Never thought about the obvious implication there.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:42 AM EST up 0 recs

Randy Ready

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 14, 2008 10:47 AM EST up 0 recs

Also

how come no one as picked up on what on obviously innuendo-laden name “Big Unit” is?

by raefzilla on Nov 15, 2008 10:38 AM EST up 0 recs

Because I think it was intended that way

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 15, 2008 11:31 AM EST up 0 recs

+12

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 15, 2008 2:58 PM EST up 0 recs

I think he'd have a much tougher time in the AL

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:38 AM EST 0 recs

plus I really don't like him for some reason

I mean, for some reason he bugs me as much as Schilling

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:41 AM EST up 0 recs

Is it because he is

ugly as hell?

Schilling is an asshole, and he doesn’t care either. Can’t say I like Schilling either.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:43 AM EST up 0 recs

i'd deal with johnson everyday over schilling

and twice on sunday

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:44 AM EST up 0 recs

maybe

with johnson it is the whole “I’m a big ol’ Christian” thing combined with trying to get out of child support from one of his “youthful indiscretions” at one point, I think. Class act.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:46 AM EST up 0 recs

My father grew up with the Yankees former bullpen coach and

3 years ago when the Yankees were in town he got us tickets right next to the Yankees bullpen. Before and after games he would come over and chat with us and after the final game of the series my father and I went out and ate dinner with him. He exact words about Johnson were, “Biggest ass hole I have ever met. The guy is absolutely uncoachable and will not listen to a word any coach says.”
I am not sure, but I don’t think I want a player like that on our team or around our players.

by ChiefsWolf24 on Nov 14, 2008 12:48 AM EST up 0 recs

+1

Don’t want to upset Dayton and Trey’s carefully constructed locker room chemistry.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:49 AM EST up 0 recs

wow

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:54 AM EST up 0 recs

http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/guidrro01.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/j/johnsra05.shtml

would you listen to guidry when you’ve been pretty damn successful for 19 years without him? his worst full season ERA in 18 years came while taking instruction from guidry…

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Nov 14, 2008 2:46 AM EST up 0 recs

Actually, Johnson had pretty goot tRA+s his two years in NY

still don’t think it’s a great idea.

HOWEVER… a good idea might be to go after the guy that the Yankees gave up on for the Ran-Jo — Javy Vazquez. The Sox are said to be “shopping” him because he’s a “choker” or whatever (and hell, if they gave up on Swisher after one unlucky year, Kenny must be in Everett-and-Alomar mode again). He’s making $11M, or what you’d pay for a good no. 3, and his tRAs have been top 7 the last three years. Get him out of that stadium and into Kaufman, and the Royals have another ace.

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:52 AM EST up 0 recs

Vazquez

All of that BS coming out of Guillen about “big game blah blah” shit that Vazquez couldn’t handle. In addition to the way they gave up Swisher.

I’d love to have Vazquez. And definitely, in the K he’d be great.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:56 AM EST up 0 recs

hell yes

Vazquez could be a stud at the K…

I would put Zack-Meche-Vazquez against almost any team in the AL…

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Nov 14, 2008 12:58 AM EST up 0 recs

So what would Kenny want?

Teahen at 3rd, Callaspo at 2nd (Given Ramirez to SS, which we all know is dumb but they seem inclined to do) and possibly a low level minor leaguer?

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 1:03 AM EST up 0 recs

I'd have given Teahen and something else

But now they have that Betemit dude…Teahen might not make much sense for them now.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Nov 14, 2008 1:24 AM EST up 0 recs

Is there some way we can squeeze Ross Gload into this deal?

They seem to love his grit in Chicago

by Top Ramen on Nov 14, 2008 9:21 AM EST up 0 recs

Would crazy Kenny be impressed with Guillen's counting stats?

Pay half of Guillen’s salary this year and send Blake wood over with him.

by BrRoyal on Nov 14, 2008 7:19 AM EST up 0 recs

Well, he traded Nick Swisher for spare parts, so anything's possible at this point

Kenny obviously hates my guts. After the Swisher and Quentin acquisitions, I started saying publicly, “Hey, maybe Kenny isn’t so bad” after years of mocking him. Then they won the division… He must have heard I was saying and said “screw it, I hate that guy, get Ca$hmoney on the phone!”

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 11:03 AM EST up 0 recs

am I crazy

or do I remember reading a bunch of stories about what a great guy Vazquez is.

Not that it matters, but it sure makes it more enjoyable to cheer for a guy like that.

Probably should stop dreaming. Get on the phone, Dayton Krazy Kenny is back!

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 1:10 AM EST up 0 recs

well, Ozzie ripped him

So he probably IS a good guy.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Nov 14, 2008 1:22 AM EST up 0 recs

Javi

Back when he played for the Expos seemed like a nice guy. If not quiet. He’s pretty good with a smile and in general seems like a nice guy. I’ve never talked to him so I don’t know if he doesn’t talk much because of language barrier or he’s just quiet.

by playingwithfire on Nov 16, 2008 4:53 PM EST up 0 recs

I wish I knew how

To apply an American League regression to his Bill James projection. He would have a tougher time for sure, but I think he could still be very effective

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:47 AM EST up 0 recs

its plausible

especially since he had a patch of injuries

i wonder where he ends up… i say LAD

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:47 AM EST up 0 recs

I'll take Oakland

It’s close to his home, it’s a good park for pitchers especially with that defense behind them, Beane loves late career HoFers, and he has money to spend.

by Gopherballs on Nov 14, 2008 12:24 PM EST up 0 recs

i want paul byrd to retire a royal

plus, he’s also a born again and a former brave

and he probably sucks defensively

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:43 AM EST 0 recs

I always liked Byrd too

If his name were “Maddux” he’d win the Gold Glove every year by default.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:45 AM EST up 0 recs

i have developed a pretty strong dislike of Maddux

i’m glad he’s gone

i’ve heard he was like smart or somethig

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:47 AM EST up 0 recs

And he knew it too, prick

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:50 AM EST up 0 recs

watch a national game with maddux pitching

the last decade was unbearable…

maybe i just get impatient and angry hearing the exact same analysis over and over and over again

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:56 AM EST up 0 recs

No i agree

I kinda liked Maddux, but I hate the way that he’s fawned over so much.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:57 AM EST up 0 recs

why's that?

I never had strong feelings about him either way

I wonder who’s the biggest sleaze on the road: Maddux, Glavine, or Smoltz?

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 12:53 AM EST up 0 recs

Smoltz

I don’t think this is even close.

by royalsreview on Nov 14, 2008 12:55 AM EST up 0 recs

Agreed

Ol’ Smoltzy does seem like a D-Bag. He is the sleaze king of the Braves triumvirate.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:59 AM EST up 0 recs

Is it just the beard?

I remember hearing vague stuff about all three of them

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Nov 14, 2008 1:11 AM EST up 0 recs

Chicks Dig A

Starter who can close.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 14, 2008 1:18 AM EST up 1 recs

glavine seems too smug

and maddux is physically repulsive

at some point these guys actual atributes have to come into play

this is like an NBA game, small margins at the end

"So whattya say, should we clean this place up?" - Tom Cruise

by DyeFan187 on Nov 14, 2008 1:39 AM EST up 0 recs

maddux pisses on people in the shower...

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Nov 14, 2008 2:47 AM EST up 0 recs

His career

OBP is pretty lousy too… he’s perfect!

"Greinke and the Brain" (R) (C) TM

by SittinByTheFoulPole on Nov 14, 2008 9:01 AM EST up 0 recs

Have any of you guys seen the article just put up on the mothership site saying if the right situation arises we could raise our payroll 20 to 25 percent which would put us around 70 to 75 million next year

by ChiefsWolf24 on Nov 14, 2008 12:55 AM EST 0 recs

I did

GMDM is up to his Jedi Mind tricks on the rest of the GM’s. They don’t even know WHAT he’s gonna do, especially if they read MLB Trade Rumors as religiously as I do

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Nov 14, 2008 12:58 AM EST up 0 recs

won't those increases happen anyway with arb?

"So whattya say, should we clean this place up?" - Tom Cruise

by DyeFan187 on Nov 14, 2008 1:39 AM EST up 0 recs

i have no doubt that the money is there...i just hope it isnt spent on someone like raul ibanez

TPJ...you're dead to me

by billybeingbilly on Nov 14, 2008 2:49 AM EST up 0 recs

I'd give him one year $10 million.

We can get some great things out of him, attendance would go up when he starts, he could teach some of the younger guys some grit, and he might throw a no-no any given night.

If he isn’t working out or it’s not working out for the team, flip him at the deadline for a prospect and save some money.

I would not go two years. We can use that $10 million next year for someone or several players.

Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

by 306008 on Nov 14, 2008 11:17 AM EST 0 recs