AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
As Jonathan pointed out last night, Andrew Friedman and Co. have launched the first volley of Roster Roulette 2012 by trading John Jaso to Seattle for RHP Josh Lueke and a PTBNL.
This move is classic Friedman. Somehow, he sold a part that was destined the 2012 Rays garage sale this spring. Not only that, but in the process he filled a need (bullpen) AND got some money out of the deal (there is a 100% chance the PTBNL is Benjamin Franklin, whose baseball name is “cash considerations”).
By all accounts, Jaso was a really nice guy and he was fun to root for. But, best I can tell, the only thing he did well was remember to run to second when a pitch was in the dirt. That might open the door for discussions about how “heads up” he is but, it certainly isn’t a reason to waste a roster spot. To paraphrase the late, great, Jon McKay: Jaso didn’t catch or throw well, but he made up for it by not hitting well either.
Jaso’s appearance in the big leagues at all is a mere coincidence. Jaso was never intended to be a big leaguer. He just happened to land in an organization whose other catching options were Kelly Shoppach and Dioner Navarro. Add a timely injury and Jaso gets real big-league experience as a result. If Chirinos or Lobaton existed in 2010, we probably never hear of John Jaso.
Take all of that, add in the reports that the Rays are ready to sign Jose Molina this week, and you have to wonder why Seattle gave up anything to get Jaso. It especially makes you wonder why they gave up a reliever talented enough to be included in the Cliff Lee deadline deal with the Rangers AND cash.
Friedman really is something to behold this time of year.
You have to wonder why Seattle gave up anything to get Jaso? They would have given Leuke to anyone for a bag of chips…and they would have paid for the chips. His baggage is of the type that buries organizations in headlines they want nothing to do with.
Personal baggage or not, they paid us for a part that would have been released yesterday morning. Besides, I know we want to believe professional sports teams care about their players’ personal approach to life but, let’s be honest, they are in the business of winning games, not leading political movements. If Leuke has the power-arm that has been advertised, this was a net-positive deal.
Maybe our clubhouse will have a positive effect on him. Maybe he made a mistake and has paid his debt to society. Maybe we just like the fact that he misses bats. I will withhold judgment on that point for now.
Mark you heard him Jose Molina said on phone that he would play if 120 games to get the job done. Hes gunna have to do it even though both lobaton and chrinos are 27 doesnt mean they are expeirenced. so as long as molinas Batting Average doesnt dip 240. mark keep playing him with that great catching.