Jays Release Reed Johnson

SUNDAY: According to the Toronto Star, the Jays have released Reed Johnson. The Jays have to pay $546K of his $3.275MM salary. Not a huge deal, but non-tendering him several months ago would've been better. Joel Sherman describes the Mets' interest in Johnson as "mild at best." SATURDAY: The Globe and Mail's Jeff Blair refers to "scuttlebutt among scouts" about the Jays placing outfielder Reed Johnson on waivers. However, J.P. Ricciardi said this was not true. The Toronto GM said a choice is close regarding Johnson and Shannon Stewart, and both won't make the team. The Mets might be a...

Mets Inquire On Reed Johnson, Shannon Stewart

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets have checked in on Blue Jays outfielders Shannon Stewart and Reed Johnson. Nicely done, Drunk Jays Fans. Although you spelled "rumor" incorrectly. Sherman says Stewart is a long shot since he can't handle right. The Mets want someone who can handle both corners, and Johnson could be that someone (he's played 64 games in right in '06 and 13 in '07). The 31 year-old will earn $3.275MM this year. He could be useful if last year's back problems are behind him.

Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...

Shannon Stewart Signs With Blue Jays

TODAY: Fun fact/correction, courtesy of Susan Slusser. Turns out the A's will not be receiving a compensation pick for Stewart, since he signed a minor league deal. It also seems a long shot that they get one for Mike Piazza, as he could retire, settle for a minor league deal, or head to Japan. 2-24-08: According to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail, Shannon Stewart has signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. It seems that Stewart's agent switch helped facilitate the contract, as the Jays made an offer earlier in the winter. My guess is that...

Odds and Ends: Crisp, Stewart, Meyer

Let's round 'em up! I'm doing a fantasy baseball mailbag feature at The Hardball Times. Check out the first entry. Nothing really new from Coco Crisp...if he loses the center field battle, he'll probably prefer a trade. The Brewers are close to a minor league deal with Russell Branyan, who might have a hard time sniffing the big league roster anytime this season. The Toronto Star relays from J.P. Ricciardi that the Blue Jays no longer have an offer on the table for Shannon Stewart. Turns out Oakland's Dan Meyer has a fourth option, meaning he's likely to lose the...

Padres Rumors: Stewart, Barrett

MLB.com's Corey Brock quotes Kevin Towers as saying a free agent signing is unlikely, which implies that Shannon Stewart is not on the radar. Towers still may add an outfielder via trade. The idea of the Padres and Mariners being interested in Stewart was misconstrued a bit. Jerry Crasnick said Towers "might be tempted to look at a free agent" and that the Mariners "seem like a potential fit." My summary of his article said the Mariners and Padres were possibilities. I should've been more clear that Crasnick was speculating on those two clubs rather than reporting specific interest -...

Shannon Stewart Switches Agents

Shannon Stewart had a bounceback 2007, finally staying healthy and hitting .290/.345/.394 as Oakland's left fielder. Though his left field defense ranked seventh at the position according to the Fielding Bible's panel of experts, a sub-.400 SLG doesn't work for a corner outfielder. He hit all of his playing time incentives in '07, earning a total salary of $2.5MM. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick notes that Stewart "apparently scared off some clubs by looking for a two-year deal earlier this winter." Is that something Stewart pushed for, or was it his representatives at Legacy Sports Group? Either way, Stewart has switched to...