Continuing on those coming back from injury…
To say that Nick Johnson has been oft-injured would be a mild understatement. By simply looking at Johnson’s injury history, you almost want to automatically send him a “Get Well” card about every six months to a year. That list contains a little bit of everything, too. The last had to do with a wrist that has been operated on three times within a one year period.
But let’s trace back to his first bout with the bug, shall we?
Johnson was first introduced to the disabled list back in 2003 when he was a member of the New York Yankees. From mid-May to late July, Johnson was unavailable due to a stress fracture in his hand. This would be the first of many trips to the DL for Johnson. After the 2003 season, Johnson would become a member of the Montreal Expos. A trade between the Yankees and Expos saw Johnson, Juan Rivera and Randy Choate were sent north of the border in exchange for Javier Vazquez.
During Johnson’s first (and only) season as an Expo, a pair of injuries sidelined him. First was a bad back that prohibited him from starting the season out of spring training. He wouldn’t see the field until late May. When he returned, it wasn’t for an extended period of time either. While attempting to filed a grounder, the ball took a bad hop and struck Johnson in his face, breaking a cheekbone.
Johnson caught a break (not literally) in 2005. Not only would the Expos relocate to Washington, D.C, he would not devote time to the DL. Whew! 2006, however, had something else in store for him. Something big.
On September 23 of 2006, Johnson was tracking back in order to catch a fly ball. Right fielder Austin Kearns was also attempting to catch that fly. The players collided. The result for Johnson was a broken right femur. That same evening, surgery was performed and he would miss the remainder of 2006. Granted, there wasn’t a whole lot of time left.
But Johnson was unable to even be ready for spring training of ’07. The hitting stroke was coming along fine. His defense was another story. He simply couldn’t go to his left. Then it was discovered that the rod inserted in Johnson’s leg caused bursitis in his right hip. Another operation would be done to remove the rod and 2007 was a complete wash. He would be ready for 2008, wouldn’t he?
He would…for 38 games. A ligament tear in his wrist would see his 2008 season end. On the date of the non-waiver trade deadline in 2009, Johnson was traded to the Florida Marlins. He was in the last year of his contract. 2009 was actually a good year, both health-wise and on the stat sheet for Johnson. The hitting stroke was once again working. His glove was still a bit to be desired. Since the broken femur, Johnson’s defense had suffered. Teams knew that as well.
One team that knew of Johnson’s bat and lack of defense was the team in which he made his major league debut, the Yankees. Johnson signed a one-year deal as to be the team’s primary DH for 2010. That was short lived as on May 8 of that season, Johnson suffered yet another wrist injury. He was done for 2010.
Now the 2011 season is upon and Johnson has signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians with an MLB option for 2012. If Johnson has not made the big club by July 1, there is an out clause. Because of that, the Indians should be in no rush with him. Why? Remember those three sugeries in a year’s time? The last was performed just last moth.
I was still a bit puzzled at first on this. Then it hit me. Well, more than one thing hit me. For the last three seasons, the Tribe’s primary DH has been Travis Hafner. He hasn’t exactly been the model of good health either. There’s also the struggles of Matt LaPorta, Cleveland’s first baseman.
If, just if, Johnson can stay healthy, he can contribute. Maybe not early on, but on down the road. He hasn’t even reported to spring training as of yet. That should come about this weekend. He won’t be pushed either. He’s about three weeks away from taking a swing. More importantly, everyone knows Johnson is a bit fragile.
And here’s another thought. Johnson has always held the reputation of being extremely patient at the plate. His lifetime OBP of .401 is evidence especially when you consider a lifetime BA of .270. He could mentor LaPorta from a hitter’s standpoint. Well, provided he hangs around.
Could this deal with the Indians be Johnson’s last chance? Hard to tell at this point. His role isn’t even really defined. But we all know he can draw a walk and deliver a hit when needed.
Oh and watch out for Kearns. He a teammate again.