Honestly, I think he’s just been stuck in two organizations that are pretty deep when it comes the OF, 1B, and the DH spots in the lineup. Johnson could be a useful player for someone, but not as much for the Rays. At least not on an every-day level.

And Guzman has just been a disappointment.

Johnson’s career has largely been stalled by injuries sidelining him in the instances where Oakland committed to giving him playing time. Granted, he did have some struggles, but I’ve always felt that if he had just been given the 1b job in Oakland in 2005 and was allowed to grow into it, he’d be an above average major league hitter (much like they’re doing now with Barton).

His numbers for Durham this year are pretty fantastic, so I’m sure if used correctly he will stlll be a solid contributor for the Rays, or they could give him ABs at the start of the season in the hopes he builds a little trade value.

He’s got absurd, crazy, light tower power. But he doesn’t hit for any average, doesn’t walk, can’t hit a curve. When he makes solid contact, he hits the ball a long, long way. He hit in on the third story of a Condo construction site across the street last year. It was amazing, but he’s just not a big leaguer and I’m not sure he ever will be.

He’s also an enigma defensively. He’s never shown the ability to play the OF, but his skills at third are raved about during practice by coaches. However observations of his in game play are the exact opposite. He just doesn’t have good in game skills. I’ve heard the term ‘lazy’ or ‘unfocused’ thrown out there about his entire game. That knock followed him from LA. LA traded him because he pouted about not making the show. Since that year, he’s really regressed and hasn’t played well. Maybe a new start will help him, but that’s what the Rays were supposed to be. So we’ll see.