Indians sign INF Elliot Johnson to minor-league deal
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The minor-league deals keep rolling in:
#Indians have signed INF Elliot Johnson to minor league deal w/ invite to Major League Spring Training
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 27, 2014
Johnson, 30 on March 9, split the 2013 season between the Royals and Braves. He had a 45 wRC+ in 111 games, and stole 22 bases in 24 attempts. Johnson struggled badly in Kansas City, hitting .179/.218/.241 in 79 games. He was placed on waivers in late August, when he was picked up by the Braves.
Johnson was much better in Atlanta. He hit .261/.317/.359 in 32 games.
Johnson's versatile defensively. He played some second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and right field last year. His defense at second base was 10 runs above average in 483 1/3 innings last year - that's where he's at his best.
Johnson has a career .65 wRC+ in 311 big-league games. His value comes from his work on the bases and in the field.