Jays leaning to Stew in left

stro4swift · Post #1 » by **stro4swift** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:25 pm

Who says you can't go home, again?

Certainly not Shannon Stewart.

As spring training chugs into its final two weeks, it looks more than probable that Stewart will emerge with the right-handed hitting job in left field over Reed Johnson as part of a Blue Jays platoon with New Brunswick's Matt Stairs.

Although the decision-makers -- general manager J.P. Ricciardi and manager John Gibbons -- maintain that nothing has been decided, a reading of the tea leaves suggests otherwise.

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Baseball/2 ... 6-sun.html

Michael Bradley · Post #2 » by **Michael Bradley** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:14 pm

Strange move if true.

vs. LHP (2005-2007)
Stewart: .263/.331/.351 (.682 OPS), 350 AB
Johnson: .305/.380/.451 (.831 OPS), 406 AB

If the 4th OF is going to platoon with Stairs in LF, then I don't see the point in keeping Stewart over Johnson. Stewart hits RHP much better than RJ, but if Stairs is going to face the righties anyway, then why not keep the guy who mashes lefties?

Maybe Reed isn't healed, or is about to be traded.

squeekysneakers · Post #3 » by **squeekysneakers** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:38 pm

A strange move if it is decided. I actually like Stewart a lot but to have a proper platoon you want your best bat against righties and your best bat against lefties. Stewart and Stairs fill the same position. Although Reed isn't a JP guy and I don't see Reed sticking around anyway, he may be moved to the Mets for a minor leaguer ( which is something that was posted earlier). This year is really a stop gap until Snider and/or Lind are ready.

Post #4 » by **OldNo7** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:21 am

Reed must not be fully healthy yet....better bat vs LHP, faster, better OBP, better defense.

Post #5 » by **bryant08** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:13 pm

There is lots of interest from other teams in Reed and I wouldn't be opposed to moving him. Go with a platoon of Stairs/Stewart in LF. But Reed's heart sure would be missed and all we could get for him would be a prospect.

The_Hater · Post #6 » by **The_Hater** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:10 pm

Based on how Reed played last season, this isn't a complete surprise. Although if his bat is anywhere close to Stew's than Reed's huge defensive advantage should give him the edge.

squeekysneakers · Post #7 » by **squeekysneakers** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:54 pm

I thin Stewart is a better offensive fit than Reed, obviously he has an arm like a muppet and won't be great defensively but Stew is just a stop gap until Snider/Lind anyway.

Post #8 » by **Geddy** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:28 am

There are rumors that Reed Johnson might be placed on waivers.

risktaker91 · Post #9 » by **risktaker91** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:46 pm

rkid wrote:There are rumors that Reed Johnson might be placed on waivers.

Reed got released. Looks like they're going with a Stewart/Stairs platoon in left field.

kcthekid · Post #10 » by **kcthekid** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:45 pm

rkid wrote:There are rumors that Reed Johnson might be placed on waivers.

couldnt they have rehabbed him in the minors for a bit?

Post #11 » by **SmallTownJournalist303** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:32 pm

You'll feel better if you try not to ask questions about Ricciardi's logic.