Reed Johnson left everything on the field. If there was a glimpse of a chance for Reed to reach a fly ball, he'd risk everything to get there. He's consistent at the plate (aside from his injury plagued season last year) and you'll notice he wears an elbow guard on his left arm. He wears the guard because he's probably taken the most beanings in Jays history! If the balls inside on Reed you might as well put him on first base. There was never any problems in the locker room and Johnson seemed to get along with the whole clubhouse so as a person he was considered an all round good guy as well as a competitor.
Reed Johnson was let go by the Jays because he was the controversial odd man out in the outfield. It was a dumb move by management and might come back to haunt the Jays if we get hit by the injury plague.
So from a Jays fan, if you guys have indeed signed Reed, you've just got a catalyst type player who doesn't bring baggage and is full of upside.
Good Luck in the NL and I hope that both our teams stay healthy! How about we'll take out our NY if you take out your NY.
The Cubs got a very good platoon mate with Felix Pie. Pie didn't hit lefties very well last year, and Johnson has been a great hitter against southpaws in his career, including a .325 average last year.
Reed is a fan favourite and will always be one of my favourite Jays. Not cause he's the most talented but because of his tremendous hustle. He's an underated player because he play up north in canada. You can excpect great D a high on base percentage and a class act.
Best of luck to you as you try to break the curse!
Everybody else pretty much summed it up nicely he's a give it 110% type player. Everyday, every inning you know what your getting from him, good with the glove,solid vs lefties and a base stealing threat. NIce pickup Cubs
I really liked him for all the reasons outlined above......I was a little worried with his offensive output after coming back from his injury last summer, but I'd rather have him than not have him...........best of luck to him, he's a true major leaguer
I for one am going to miss Reed Johnson, and what he brings to the table for the team.
Affectionately referred to as a "Dirt Bag" by both GM Riccardi and Manager Gibbons, Reed is one of those guys that wasn't blessed with raw talent, but he makes up for his physical shortcomings with hard work, determination, and great baseball sense.
He's not a prototypical lead-off man, but was the best option the Jays have had for the last few years.
He doesn't take a lot of pitches, doesn't walk much, and has average speed at best, but he's been one of the most selfless Jays since he's played here, and could be counted on to put the ball in play on a hit and run, drop down the sac bunt if needed (something most of the Jays can't do with any degree of regularity), or to lay out his body for a diving catch on a sinking liner, or to take out a second baseman while trying to break up a double play.
He's great with the glove, and while he lacks arm strength, he has a suitable, acurate throw - all adding up to him being a good defender.
Perhaps the best little "Dirt Bag" since Lenny Dykstra!
Reed Johnson was a great player when he was with the Jays. He was everything you want in a ball player - played hard every day, smart, aggressive at the plate, etc. I was sad to see him go and so were a lot of other Jays fans (I was not surprised to see him sign the next day with the Cubs). He is a good hitter and runs the basepaths well. I hope he works out for you in Chicago (the Cubs are my favorite NL team).
Thanks re Rios signing - he is turning into a really good player and showing a lot more power the last 2 seasons.
Reed Johnson is the ultimate team guy -- a student of the game's history (his hero is Ty Cobb) who will sacrifice for his mates and for the fans -- lead the AL in HBP more than one season, hustles to track down drifting balls in the field, and can't play with a clean uniform. One thing people forget to mention is the arm-cannon he has that can often turn a double into a mere single, or an out.
The Cubs have engineered a STEAL by signing Johnson -- a good price at 3M/season.
