Teams seeking a midseason on-base percentage boost would be wise to keep an eye on free agent Nick Johnson. After signing a one-year deal with the Yankees in December of 2009, Johnson appeared in only 24 games before a wrist injury ended his season. Two surgeries later, Johnson is "heading in the right direction" according to his agent Rex Gary.
Gary told MLBTR Johnson has been working out at Athletes' Performance Institute since October and clubs are monitoring his progress closely. The first baseman/DH is not expected to be ready for the start of the season and is not able to swing a bat at full bore currently. Still, Gary expects Johnson to be ready "early in the season." The agent added that Johnson will need some time in the minors, as he hasn't played in a game since May 7th of last year.
Johnson, 32, has a .401 career on-base percentage in nine seasons for the Yankees, Expos, Nationals, and Marlins. He's battled injuries throughout his career, but should still be an asset when he's able to play.
Hes related to Larry Bowa so the Baseball Gods have shunned him.
I like the guy, but he’s got exactly one good year under his belt, and he couldn’t even stay injury-free *that* year.
two very good years and two solid ones*
He’ll be a great pick-up for some team looking for a player who can give ten or eleven games this season.
Whichever team shows a weakness at DH 1st should grab him and burn every glove he has/forbid him from playing defense, that way TRY to keep him from getting injured. Reminds me of 70’s player Ron Fairly and all the injuries he had.. Could hit, but fluke injuries followed him.
If I’m not mistaking, he hurt his wrist batting. A check swing if my mind remembers correctly, though he was such a non-factor that’s really hard to remember/care.
Nick Johnson is, unfortunately, one of the players who really has earned the “injury prone” tag.
How brittle can a guy be. He needs some calcium.
Must be related to former Royals great Willie Aikens. Same height, same weight, same position, large history of injuries despite being productive(particularly with OBP), both hit from the left side, and both players AVG, SLG, and OPS+ are nearly identical.
Hunter pence breaks his wrist and it take him 2 months to come back. Johnson breaks his wrist and it takes him 2 years smh. Can’t even stay healthy as a DH.
Bitter?
Very bitter over Nick Johnson. How will the Yanks ever survive?
There’s A lot of different ways to break your wrist….I wouldn’t assume it was the same kind of inury.
Brian Cashmen can add to his collection of has beens and sign Nick Johnson…….again.
He’s a guy I’m sure the Brewers may look at for 2012. Of course, he’s going to have to prove he’s healthy first and that’s a rather big if.