Front Office Archives - Johnny L's Baseball Clubhouse

Yadier Molina’s New Contract Smells of Obligation and Fan Pressure

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

For the past 13 years Yadier Molina has been one of the Cardinals most treasured leaders. His 8 gold gloves and reputation in the clubhouse stand alone representing Molina well. However, his age is starting to catch up to him. Plus the Cardinals have a bright young star rising up behind the plate in Carson Kelly. So, how or why would an aging catcher secure a contract worth $60 million over 3 years? Two reasons. The first is the fact that Molina is worshiped like a god in St Louis. The second is the organization feels obligated to keep him Continue reading Yadier Molina’s New Contract Smells of Obligation and Fan Pressure→

Rangers Protecting Future by Giving Rougned Odor Huge Extension

Posted on March 26, 2017 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

After only one superb campaign, the Rangers have decided to lockup their 23-year-old second baseman for 6 years. Despite the relitevly low WAR in 2016 of 2.4, his numbers across the board spell productive with an explanation mark. His low WAR had a lot to do with his low OBP of .296. However, because he is so young, his plate discipline will only improve from his poor 19 walks and 135 strikeouts. His new 6-year $49.5 million deal gives him a yearly salary of approx $8 million. Rougned Odor blasted 33 bombs with 33 doubles and a defensive range factor Continue reading Rangers Protecting Future by Giving Rougned Odor Huge Extension→

Why Matt Wieters Should not Still Be a Free Agent

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

It is February 5th; weeks away from every player reporting to Spring Training, and Matt Wieters is still without a team. Matt Wieters has dealt with lots of injuries over the last 3 seasons, but when he is healthy he is one of the top 5 catchers in the league. The 4-time all-star has two gold gloves, and has slugged at least .410 every year since 2010. Catcher is the most important and impactful poisons in the game. A catcher like Matt Wieters can improve a a pitching staff tremendously from his game calling technique. There are at least 5 Continue reading Why Matt Wieters Should not Still Be a Free Agent→

The Ludicrous Worrisome of Free Agents Encarnacion and Bautista

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Johnny Lumsden — No Comments ↓

Aside from the three blockbuster trades during the Winter Meetings, this offseason has been about the Toronto free agents. Like always, there are all kinds of talks happening on the hot stove during the baseball offseason. However, basically everyday, Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista are names that are brought up. Of the small free agent market, these two guys (superstars) are by far the biggest fish. For at least the past 4 seasons this dynamic duo has been ripping up the AL East. Yet, everyone is skeptical on signing either one. Thanks to the new CBA deal, teams are worried Continue reading The Ludicrous Worrisome of Free Agents Encarnacion and Bautista→