=== Rob Johnson ===

Here is the October 2009 analysis which opined that Moore and Johnson were the logical catching crew for 2010.  Here's why SSI didn't buy into the criticisms of Johnson's defense.

We never saw Josh Bard as a guy intended to nursemaid Moore, much less to start. He was always insurance from Zduriencik's point of view.

M's fans can again take this as great news -- Moore and Johnson are much more experienced than we tend to think they are.  They're ready to compete.  They're both dynamic young players.

XBH for our local mainframe on this one?

..........

The big advantage:  two dynamic young Scrub catchers who could far outperform expecations.

.

=== Doug Fister ===

SSI's pick of the 2009 Scrubs litter, Doogie indeed came into camp -- in retrospect -- anointed as a member of the rotation.  Even an 8.00 ERA and a forearm injury didn't cost him his job.

The big advantage:  see Moore and Johnson.

.

=== Vargas vs Olson and French ===

Our power rankings, in December, went

1. Felix
2. Bedard healthy
3. RRS
4. Fister
5. Vargas
6. Snell
7. French
8. Olson

Nowadays, we'd slide these 3 guys in:

1. Felix
2. Bedard healthy
   
3. Lee :- )
   
4. Kelley
5. Washburn
   
6. RRS
7. Fister
8. Vargas
9. Snell
10. French
11. Olson

Doug Fister getting the pole position?  Bravo!  Vargas was next in line, too, compared to Olson and Fister.  Jolly good show.

We will cheerfully admit, of course, that Snell is a point of difference -- and that the evidence is coming in on the M's side here.  Also, the disconnect between myself and the M's on Casey Kotchman continues to amaze.  Hope they're right there too.

..............

Obviously lots of guys have made cool prognostications -- notably PBNW on Kao-Kan and others, Matty on Shambling Mound and others, G-Money on Robles et al.

But hey.  That is a pretty fancy scorecard on the 4-man bench and on the 4-5 SPs, if we do say so ourselves.

.

=== Dr's R/X ===

To bring the roster to absolute perfection, add a 5th benchie who can hit, and lop off the 12th -- i.e., the worst -- ML pitcher.  As soon as Lee's ready.

Then, your platooning has every chance of boosting the OPS+ to 100, and if you've got a 100 OPS+, you've got a great shot in the division.  The whole thing could revolve around the platoon bats, so get you the 5th benchie.

...............

Kao-Kan gives the M's 4 contender-class relievers and Curling-sweeps the path for Shawn Kelley to ascend to Super Starter 2.  Two more steps to take and we're sittin' pretty.  :- )

Up and in,

Dr D