The Dodgers finalized their deal with fourth outfielder Reed Johnson today, after he completed his physical. "Reed is a versatile outfielder that comes to the ballpark ready to play every day," said General Manager Ned 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."
Tony Jackson of ESPN Los Angeles reported the deal is worth $800,000.
Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times adds that Johnson "can earn an extra $250k in incentives based on games played and plate appearances." That means 14 of the 18 Dodgers currently under contract for 2010 have performance bonuses written into their contract.
Canadian Press baseball writer Shi Davidi brings the news that will endear the newest Dodger to his new fans:
Reed Johnson sings [sic] with Dodgers and good for him. He grew up a Dodgers fan and loves Vin Scully (who doesn't?). Jays miss his determination.
How can you not root for a Vin Scully fan? Are you listening, Jeff Kent and Derek Lowe?
Besides playing all three outfield positions, the right-handed Johnson could help at the plate too. Last season, right-handed Dodger pinch hitters hit .224/.294/.271 in 120 plate appearances. As it stands now, the bench looks to be exclusively right handed, although the left-handed Doug Mientkiewicz seems likely to make the leap from non-roster invitee to bench contributor as well.
The 40-man roster is now full. This moves the estimated payroll to $95.68 million.
However, perhaps more importantly, Casey Blake and his wife presented his hometown school district of Indianola, Iowa with a check for $1 million tonight. If you want to read more, click on this story by Aaron Jaco of the Indianola Record Hearld, but be warned: you may not recognize The Beard clean shaven.