Where the Jays Stand – Second Base

Today, we examine Kelly Johnson and a second base position that is currently in flux for the organization. Previously considered Aaron Hill’s territory, Johnson heads into the off-season as the incumbent but, like Hill, is a free agent. However, before breaking the position down, a quick word on the hullabaloo over John Farrell and his involvement in the Red Sox managerial search: Alex Anthopoulos made the right big picture move in refusing to make Farrell available as a candidate, but it may not pay off in the short-term. This was similar to the decision of the club in 2002 when Boston was eyeing J.P. Ricciardi as they pursued a new GM – Ricciardi was an unmitigated disaster in Toronto, while the BoSox did pretty well for themselves after bringing Theo Epstein on board, but the move sent a message that the Jays would not be compliant in serving as a minor league feeder system for their AL East rivals. Nine years later, the message is the same: sorry, John, but taking the same job i...