For a career Rob Johnson is a major league catcher. He wears the pads, he lets his mitt hit the ball, he stands in the batters boxes, and he walks to the mound. Most importantly though he stand on the mound and speaks to the pitchers. He speaks so well while out on the mound that the Mariners pitching staff praises him at everyone opportunity. None of us can know for sure what it is Rob says while he is out there standing next to the pitcher. However, based on my astute lip reading skills I figure it is something like, "way to go", "You're the best", or "Dont worry about those three homers, I still like you!" Pitchers like that.
Some of you might think that paying a guy $412,500 to hit under .150, committed passed balls, and give pitcher compliments seems like a lot. It is not. Consider what the M's pay the other feel good guys, Griffey and Sweeney. Mike Sweeney gets $650,000 to swing wildly at every pitch and give bear hugs, while Ken Griffey Jr gets $2,350,000 to tickle Ichiro and hit weak ground balls to second.
Also, another positive thing about Rob Johnson is he walks and walks alot this year. He has an OBP of .302. That is .152 higher then his average. Not many guys can say that their OBP is .150 higher then their AVG. Sure he has also 16 times compared to 11 walks but ignore that, this OBP is .150 higher then his AVG!
On a serious note: I hate watching Rob Johnson.
Sources: ESPN.com
I like to imagine that Rob gives pitchers candy when he visits the mound, a la pediatricians. It only makes sense, as pitchers get progressively worse whenever he works.
ReplyDeleteAnother Rob Johnson HR against Ben Sheets! And another passed ball to even thigns out.
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