Nick Johnson....seriously

[Softbank Orioles]

I think this thread tells everyone how I felt about the Orioles bringing in Nick Johnson. But I also had no problem with them not bringing VLAD back. And I was for signing Vlad for the $8M. He was one hell of a ballplayer in his prime. But those days are behind him now.

Nothing personal against Nick....

He's simply....an old washed up journeyman first basemen who doesn't fit with a young rebuilding team. Of course Moon told everyone he was brought in for organizational depth....I remember stating in here from the beginning that Johnson would be on the opening day roster.

I was surprised he was on the opening day roster.

[hector]

watching last night's game reminded me of the days when Vlad was with the O's last year. on 2 occassions Nick left RISP stranded on base. that's classic Vlad. the nice thing is that Nick doesn't get paid $8M this year to leave those same runners stranded. so that's a definite plus.

another nice thing about having Nick instead of Vlad is that Nick could be pulled for a PH, to avoid his killing the late inning rally. Buck would have left Vlad in to kill the rally, because Vlad earned $8M/yr and it would have been that reason alone that Buck would have left Vlad in to lose the game. and I know how much you hate when managers use that unimaginative handbook.

Whenever I read posters expressing opposition to overpaying Hall of Famer Vlad $8 million, I'm reminded of the constant anti-PA chorus complaining about his unwillingness to allow a higher payroll. Where Vlad is concerned, you all sound like clerks in PA's budget department.

[weird-O]

Whenever I read posters expressing opposition to overpaying Hall of Famer Vlad $8 million, I'm reminded of the constant anti-PA chorus complaining about his unwillingness to allow a higher payroll. Where Vlad is concerned, you all sound like clerks in PA's budget department.

it's not strictly about how much you spend, it's what you buy for your money. Vlad's production wasn't worth $8M. although I don't have any examples on the tip of my fingers, I'm pretty sure it would be possible to find a player who put up the same anemic numbers as the near HOFer, but at a portion of the price. furthermore, the cost of securing an impact player is far north of $8M/yr. that's really the focus of my criticisms of Angelos and his tight purse strings. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I get the sense that my criticism is shared by other O's fans.

[Rob]

I was surprised he was on the opening day roster.

I wasn't. This is typical Orioles.

[hector]

it's not strictly about how much you spend, it's what you buy for your money. Vlad's production wasn't worth $8M. although I don't have any examples on the tip of my fingers, I'm pretty sure it would be possible to find a player who put up the same anemic numbers as the near HOFer, but at a portion of the price. furthermore, the cost of securing an impact player is far north of $8M/yr. that's really the focus of my criticisms of Angelos and his tight purse strings. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but I get the sense that my criticism is shared by other O's fans.

You're absolutely right that your criticism of PA (misplaced as it may be), is shared by most other posters to this board.

If $8M was the reason for not re-signing Hall of Famer Vlad, would you have supported signing him for $2M, $3M or $4M or did you consider him worthless?
Just checking to see if there are some other biases in play here.

[bmore_ken]

You're absolutely right that your criticism of PA (misplaced as it may be), is shared by most other posters to this board.

If $8M was the reason for not re-signing Hall of Famer Vlad, would you have supported signing him for $2M, $3M or $4M or did you consider him worthless?
Just checking to see if there are some other biases in play here.

I'd have signed him for $2M, why not?

[hector]

I'd have signed him for $2M, why not?

I agree. Too bad the O's didn't try.

[bmore_ken]

I agree. Too bad the O's didn't try.

How do you know they didn't?

[weird-O]

You're absolutely right that your criticism of PA (misplaced as it may be), is shared by most other posters to this board.

If $8M was the reason for not re-signing Hall of Famer Vlad, would you have supported signing him for $2M, $3M or $4M or did you consider him worthless?
Just checking to see if there are some other biases in play here.

judging from your word choice, you're not looking for a real answer, you just want some fodder.

[dandrews]

I'd rather have Wilson Betemit than Vlad. Gives us more lineup flexibility.

It's ok Hector, they're both Dominican.

[durango46]

let's change this into a Nick Johnson streak thread


0-19 and counting



hopefully for his sake this will change his luck

[durango46]

0-20 k

[kudzu]

let's change this into a Nick Johnson streak thread


0-20 and counting



hopefully for his sake this will change his luck

On the bright side, he's got as many walks as Adam Jones, in ~1/3d the plate appearances. One.

[Rob]

The only player is baseball with that many at-bats and 0 hits.

Cut hm loose Duquette. Nick Johnson has no use on this team. Zero.

[Mr. Buzzcut]

I'd have signed him for $2M, why not?

He'd be good box office.

Chicks dig pre-warning track fly balls!

Actually, it was fun watching him swing at -- and often hit -- pretty much anything.

[durango46]

0-21

[durango46]

0-22

[Rob]

Release him already. He is horrible.

[NY_O'sfan]

O's arent releasing him until they get their $800,000 worth!

[durango46]

0-23 grounded out to pitcher