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"So, Johjima's saved $8,000,000 gets the M's 16-18 runs, or almost two wins, on the free agent market."
It depends on how that money is spent. Joh was actually the 6th most valuable position player on our team with a 1 WAR season.
Granted, the money saved is a a huge plus no matter how you look at it.
I personally really like the idea of Marco Scutaro. He looks very underrated to me (improving plate patience with an average glove) and SS is a gaping hole. 2 years/$15mil with an option year makes some sense.