Reed Johnson - Is a trade with Cubs Possible?

[molitor fan]

Johnson, a streak hitter who is in the .900 OPS range in limited at bats this year may be a cheap option to swing a righty stick. He would be owed 400k for the rest of the year if the Cubs would deal in division. He plays a weak center, but has split his time evenly between the 3 spots in the of this year.

[Warning Track Power]

I would say this is one of the most likely candidates the Brewers trade for. If they do make a deal for an OF, I expect it to be someone of Johnson's ilk. Nyjer will play a majority of the time anyways. An expensive RH ala Marlon Byrd in a platoon doesn't fit IMO. Like I said in the other thread, the Cubs would have to pay a majority of his $6.5MM in 2012 for me to even listen given that Nyjer will play most of the time anyways.

 

I'd welcome Reed because that dude is hustle through and through. I've always admired the way he plays the game.

[The Truth]

Johnson would make alot of sense as a platoon partner for Morgan. Johnson's career stats vs LHP are excellent: .315 BA, .374 OBP (!) and a .843 OPS

[reillymcshane]

Johnson isn't much of a CFer, probably a bit below average at this point, but he's far better than Kotsay. He would suffice as Gomez's stand in against lefties for the rest of the year - if healthy. I believe he's had some injuries.

[DocLuna7]

To take a look at the question in the title of this thread, I really see no reason why the Brewers and Cubs couldn't trade with each other this year. With the Cubs far out of contention for the division, it would seem like they should just trade with whoever can maximize their return.

[JohnBriggs12]

Johnson would be a nice fit on the Brewers and you wouldn't have to give back the "starters return" it would take to pry guys like Melky Cabrera.

 

Let me throw another name out there: Lastings Milledge. Milledge is much better suited as a corner OF, but he's been killing LHP at AAA to the tune of .386/.463/.602. Even if you wanted him a bench bat to face lefties, those are impressive numbers.

[patrickgpe]

i think johnson would be a great choice to replace gomez and doubt he would cost much, i'd prefer him over milledge.

 

i can't see a reason either, the brewers and reds pulled off the edmonds trade last year (even though the rivalry with the reds isn't like it with the cubs, but its still intradivision)

[reillymcshane]

Let me throw another name out there: Lastings Milledge. Milledge is much better suited as a corner OF, but he's been killing LHP at AAA to the tune of .386/.463/.602. Even if you wanted him a bench bat to face lefties, those are impressive numbers.

Briggs, nice idea about milledge. I'd forgotten about him. My big concern would be his ability to play CF. If I remember correctly, he was pretty bad.

[JohnBriggs12]

Let me throw another name out there: Lastings Milledge. Milledge is much better suited as a corner OF, but he's been killing LHP at AAA to the tune of .386/.463/.602. Even if you wanted him a bench bat to face lefties, those are impressive numbers.

Briggs, nice idea about milledge. I'd forgotten about him. My big concern would be his ability to play CF. If I remember correctly, he was pretty bad.

Yeah, he's pretty bad but if you think of using him for 6-7 innings until the LH starter leaves the game, you might be able to get by, and get at least 3 AB's on offense. On the road, you could replace him as early as the bottom of the 6th defensively.

 

As for Reed Johnson, I'd give Carroll a month and see what he can do. Johnson is a guy who'll easily clear waivers and be available in August.