ESPN.com

The Chicago Cubs signed veteran outfielder Reed Johnson today. Contract negotiations lasted just ten minutes, when the Cubs and Johnson setteled on a 1 year, $1.3 million contract. Why did the deal take so fast? Reed Johnson really wanted to be a Cub:

“You guys don’t know how happy I am to be here,” he said, reported the Chicago Tribune.

What does the signing of Johnson mean to the rest of the Cubs outfield? Well Johnson’s career .308 batting average, and speed; make him a good option a top the Cubs batting order. Johnson is a right handed hitter and which could lead to a center field platoon situation. Felix Pie’s left handed bat against right handed hitters and Johnson against lefties.

And the effect this has on Kosuke Fukudome should be very little. Johnson should become a backup for Fukudome, only playing in the situation that Kosuke needs some rest. As for the Chicago Cubs team, Johnson provides a very reliable and veteran bench bat.