Why The Jays Released Reed Johnson

This was an expected decision, as far as I can tell. As I wrote here, Johnson cost more and was unlikely to outproduce Stewart anyways.



Of course, this has not stopped hundreds of angry message board posters freaking out for a variety of reasons over the injustice done to their favourite "dirtbag". A sampling of some of the comments here.



The bulk of the comments seem to fall into a couple of categories.



1) Johnson has grit/hustle/heart and Stewart is a lazy bum who can't throw and has not grit.



To wit:

I think the Jays will regret this. Johnson provides some grit to the Jays
and is a "gamer". Stewart is on the downward slope of his career and cannot
throw.

and

Reed Johnson is a heart player, I think the Jays made a mistake.

and

Where is the loyalty? He's been nothing but grit, heart and soul for the
Jays since he was called up, now they just leave him hanging? Terrible
move.

Now, don't get me wrong - I liked watching Reed Johnson play alot. He was one of my favourite Blue Jays the last couple years, and he was awesome in 2006. Unfortunately, that was 2006 and that was only one year. If you take out those stats, his career is decidedly "average" at best, and "well-below average" at worst.





Wow, release the fan favorite for the guy who couldn't wait to get out of town.



Wow! Did not see this coming. I feel Johnson is still better than Stewart offensively. Faster, younger, cooler. Bad move in my opinion.



So you're telling me you couldn't even get a draft pick for this guy.



What a bonehead move by the Jays! It sad to see that a player's position is determined by their name and not their stats. Reed Johnson has always been a class act and deserves better.



Where is the loyalty? He's been nothing but grit, heart and soul for the Jays since he was called up, now they just leave him hanging? Terrible move.



Shannon left the blue jays for bigger money for the twins a few years ago, Reed stayed and showed his hustle and grit despite a ack. Is Loyalty important to JP.



What are they doing the one guy on the team that could actually get the bunt down and be a catalyst for this team....Dumb Dumb move









Johnson is way overrated. A .281 with little power, poor baserunning ability, below average defense. Tons of heart will only take you so far, probably as far as he has been. His injuries over the past few years will start to show a quick decline in his ablilities. With Johnson at 31 and in his decline you might as well take the more consistant hitter in Stewart. Good move by JP.