Dan Duquette made a calculated risk Monday night when he decided to trade long-time Oriole Jim Johnson to the Oakland A’s. The trade for second baseman/utility player Jemile Weeks screams “salary dump!” Many fans view the organization as one that does not like to spend money and this just fits right into their opinion.
I think that is why most people are up in arms about a pitcher they wanted nothing to do with when he was on his way to blowing nine saves this past season. Also, Weeks is looked at as a “AAAA player” at best in the eyes of many.
However, Weeks brings something to the table that the Orioles have struggled with for years – patience!
In his career with the A’s, which included a solid rookie year, horrible second season and a cup of coffee in his third, Weeks has seen 3.96 pitches per plate appearance. Of the Orioles hitters who qualified, Chris Davis led the team last season with 3.96 pitches per plate appearance.
Weeks’ walk total (50) during his terrible 2012 season – which many would point to as why this trade is a dud – would have been good enough for 4th on the 2013 O’s. His .340 OBP in 2011 would have been second best on this year’s Orioles.
Is Weeks the answer at second base? I am not sure. Two of his last three seasons in professional baseball have been solid and he has the versatility that can help a big league team. His strength of working a count and getting on base along with his speed are added bonuses to a team that struggles mightily in those areas.
As for Johnson, he helped lead the Orioles back to the playoffs in 2012 and brought a mentality to the stadium every night that the city fell in love with. Unfortunately, his struggles in 2013 played a role in the team not making the postseason again and his $10-11 million salary doesn’t justify the production on the field.
I am curious to see if Oakland even holds onto Johnson. This trade goes against everything Billy Beane believes in with his “Moneyball” philosophy. The real test is not what Weeks brings to the table, it’s what the A’s get in return for Johnson if they decide to flip him before or during the season.
I will take the stand that most fans have right now. I hope the money saved results in a signing of one or two players that will make an impact in 2014 or helps lead to extensions for Chris Davis and/or Matt Wieters.
