Jason Repko Walks the Plank
March 30, 2010 at 4:50 pm | Posted in Jason Repko | 9 CommentsTo the surprise of absolutely no one, reports are that the Dodgers have put Jason Repko on waivers, almost certainly ending his tenure with the team. Despite having been in the organization since about 1973 (okay, 1999) Repko still wasn’t out of options, so this isn’t an Eric Stults situation. This move was more about opening up another spot on the 40-man roster, since the Dodgers will be adding at least two (Garret Anderson, Jeff Weaver) and possibly four (Ramon Ortiz, Nick Green) non-roster invites to the club.
Unlike Stults, I have no problem with seeing the end of the Jason Repko era. I mean, when you think of Repko’s time with the Dodgers, what stands out? Was it the 301 plate appearances he received on the dreadful 2005 team, with which he put up a line of .221/.281/.384 – and then somehow turned that into an Opening Day start in 2006? Or the time he ruined Rafael Furcal’s 2007 season by diving through his ankle (shown at right) and then later in the same game, blew out his hamstring and missed the whole season?
Or maybe it’s the more-talented outfielders who were let go due to roster crunches while Repko somehow just kept on surviving - guys like Jayson Werth, Delwyn Young, Shane Victorino, and Cody Ross? Really, we already wrote his obituary in our 2009 season in review feature, back in December:
Here’s another fact for you: Repko’s status as “longest-tenured Dodger” almost certainly ended with a strikeout on the last day of the regular season, as he’s arbitration-eligible and has done almost nothing to justify a raise on his 2009 salary of $500k. His various stints with the big club have produced just a 74 OPS+, and in yet another year in AAA (which he first reached in 2004) he had a ghastly 80/24 K/BB rate while putting up an .800 OPS. At 29 in December, he’s being passed on the organization ladder by younger outfielders like Xavier Paul and Jamie Hoffmann, with more on the way.
Still, Repko’s not without his uses. His speed, strong throwing arm, and ability to play all 3 outfield spots make him a decent 4th outfielder, but as tenuous as that value is, it’s all but invisible on a team like the Dodgers that’s stacked with outfielders both talented and highly-paid. Believe it or not, Repko’s been in the Dodger organization since 1999 (making his debut as the SS on the Great Falls Dodgers that went 29-47 and featured just one other player who’d make it to the bigs, Shane Victorino), so it’s a little melancholy to predict his imminent unemployment.
But go he must; for there’s no room at this inn for a nearly-30 backup outfielder who’s making more than the minimum and can’t really hit. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.
And go he has. The longest-tenured Dodger (with continuous service, so Jeff Weaver’s spot on the 2004 squad doesn’t count) is now Jonathan Broxton, a declaration I made somewhat prematurely about 15 months ago.
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Good riddance. I’ve been sour on his since that collision with Raffy during spring training 2007.
God I wish we still had Jayson Werth..but if we did, we probably would have never traded for Manny. Then again, even McCourt would have found a way to field a $73M team.
Comment by Sajju Shah— March 30, 2010 #
I’m sorry to see Rep go, if this is indeed the end of his Dodgers career. This is totally personal, and not based on his production, but he is genuinely one of the super people in the game. Great attitude and always played hard and treated everyone with respect.
I was at Holman Stadium when the unfortunate Furcal incident occurred and who is to say Repko was at fault. Furcal was going out just as hard as Repko was charging in. Yet, many make Jason out to be some kind of careless, dangerous maniac.
Comment by SamAdams— March 30, 2010 #
You’re not wrong. We do get on Repko a little harder than deserved for the Furcal play.
Comment by Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— March 31, 2010 #
[...] [...]
Pingback by Dodgers agree to terms with lifelong Dodger, Jason Repko— March 30, 2010 #
Mike, I thought you’d appreciate this story.
http://withleather.uproxx.com/2010/03/buy-this-mattingly-61-cent-check
Comment by KempKershaw— March 31, 2010 #
I just read that this morning. Too perfect. But it’s already over $100. And he’s STILL got those damned sideburns.
Comment by Mike Scioscia's tragic illness— March 31, 2010 #
Haha, it was $370 when I did my write-up on it. Little expensive for my tastes.
Comment by KempKershaw— March 31, 2010 #
$596 now, WOW!
Comment by KempKershaw— March 31, 2010 #
I am sad to see him go. I have known Jason for 20 years starting in little league. He was hard working, never spoke poorly of the organization or teamates. Always was positive and just an all around great player. Also if you look at the picture, that ball was Repko’s to get. An infielder should never be turning around running towards the outfield. If he has to do that he knows he can’t get the ball.
Comment by Jeremy— May 5, 2010 #