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In my opinion, the release of Reed Johnson is a baaaaad move!
Sure the Jays need offense, but it is still true that pitching and defense are the major building blocks of a championship. Even allowing for the (probable) fact that Shannon will hit more than Reed, he (Reed) is a much superior defensive outfielder, with the ability to play any of the three outfield positions, and to go in for defensive purposes to replace Matt Stairs in the late innings. In contrast, Stewart is questionable even in left, and cannot possibly play Center or Right.
I just hope Wells and Rios stay fully healthy, because I'd hate to see Scutaro in the outfield for any substantial length of time.
Aside from the financial savings (are they "that" desparate to get the payroll under $100K?), the only advantage in keeping Stewart would be if Thomas fails as DH, requiring Stairs and/or Stew to take over -- and at that point you need Reed even more!!!
Sorry, JP, but I think you blew it -- and I really wonder whether John Gibbons truly "had a vote" -- my guess is that he did not.
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