Dodgers Sign Reed Johnson, Colletti Done Shopping

The Dodgers filled the last spot on the 40 man roster today by signing Reed Johnson to a one year deal. Dylan Hernandez is tweeting that the deal is official after Johnson passed the physical yesterday afternoon. The deal is worth $800K in guaranteed money, and Johnson can earn up to $250K in incentives based on games played and plate appearances.

Other than the fact that Johnson plays a pretty good leftfield, I don't see how this signing makes any sense. He can't really hit all that well, and is mediocre at best at everything else. Jason Repko or Xavier Paul could have gotten the same job done in 2010. I knew Colletti was going to waste money on a fourth outfielder, oh well.

Ned Colletti is justifying the signing by saying, “Reed is a versatile outfielder that comes to the ballpark ready to play every day,” said Colletti. “We’re excited to have him with the Dodgers. He provides Joe with a few defensive choices since he has played all three outfield positions in his career.”

Last season, Johnson hit .255 with four homers and 22 RBI in 65 games. One big plus was his ability to hit .324 against left-handed pitching, and .455 with the bases loaded. On top of that Johnson is a career .294 hitter with runners in scoring position. What lies ahead for Repko and Paul?