Kelly Johnson

[indianinkslinger]

I usually do not go in for speculation but I think the Indians can make a trade which fits. It has been rumored on several sites that Kelly Johnson is available, particularly for an OF. The Braves are also known to be looking for pitchers. Personally, I could give up Francisco and Betancourt or one of our lefties since Johnson should come reasonably priced even with arbitration. The collapse of the Furcal signing might shut this down but I would not be shocked if the Braves would promote Lillibridge. I think we could promote Crowe for the short term until one of the better OF prospects in Columbus is ready. The tribe would still have some trading chips for an SP and the budget to pay for him. Just a thought.

[Hermie13]

Lillibridge isn't with the Braves anymore.....he was traded to the White Sox in the Vazquez deal.....

[indianinkslinger]

Lillibridge isn't with the Braves anymore.....he was traded to the White Sox in the Vazquez deal.....

My bad, old man brain cramp.

[Hermie13]

ha, no worries

[dazindiansfanuk]

There's still the option that the Braves could play Prado in the middle infield if they are looking to move an infielder for pitching/outfield help.

[toledobuck]

Not a big fan of Johnson coming in any trade of prospects. I would much rather sign a stopgap in FA like Grudzialanek and not give up any players.

[cardiackidz]

johnson is average im not giving up a pitcher and a starting outfielder for him.

[Hermie13]

johnson is average im not giving up a pitcher and a starting outfielder for him.

Johnson is 'average' I suppose (I'd say a bit better than that though).....but so are our OFers not named Grady (can you say you're sold on Choo even?). And our pitchers (not named Lee/Carmona) aren't exactly stars either....

[indianinkslinger]

johnson is average im not giving up a pitcher and a starting outfielder for him.

Who said anything about that? I said or not and.

[indianinkslinger]

Not a big fan of Johnson coming in any trade of prospects. I would much rather sign a stopgap in FA like Grudzialanek and not give up any players.

I wasn't talking about prospects either.

[indianinkslinger]

Not a big fan of Johnson coming in any trade of prospects. I would much rather sign a stopgap in FA like Grudzialanek and not give up any players.

Not a bad thought but not the least costly payroll-wise. Probably would preclude signing a real 3 IMO. Not enough $ left after that.

[indianinkslinger]

There's still the option that the Braves could play Prado in the middle infield if they are looking to move an infielder for pitching/outfield help.

True but Hermie is right that my brain cramp puts a little flaw in my Braves logic. And I really cannot see JBarf being any value to them or I would have proposed it. I have to plead old fart exemption!

[Hermie13]

Barfield would have 'some' value.....but not enough really to nab Johnson from them. Barfield would be better served going to a struggling team (like say the Nationals) where he can play without a lot of pressure to get his career back on track. I still think he's got the goods to be a decent starting 2B in this league.....