Reed Johnson Chicago Cubs MLB Blog
Reed Johnson of the Chicago Cubs has launched an official MLB.com blog for the 2009 season called Reed Between the Lines.
Johnson says about his blog: “This will be fun, and I’ll try to give the fans an inside look as to what it’s like in the clubhouse. One thing I don’t do that much is smile and look like I’m having a good time on the field. I want them to see another side of the players, like when we were at the Cubs Convention and did a “For Women Only” panel. This will be a behind the scenes kind of thing. They might see me on the field and say, “Man, he looks like a real serious guy.” Off the field, guys are totally different.”
This will be a fun thing for us hardcore fans to read (reed?) all summer long. It might not quite make up for the loss of Mark DeRosa who was the Cubs blogger in 2009 but they couldn’t have picked a better Cub for this job.
Maybe Reed Johnson won’t be the type of writer who will any awards but his writing is not why Cubs fans love him anyway. In his first season with the Chicago Cubs, Reed Johnson won over the fans with his hard play, big catches and timely hitting.
Like many Cubs fans, I didn’t know too much about Reed Johnson when the Cubs signed him after he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays. In his first month with the Cubs though, all of Cubdom took notice when he made an amazing diving catch against the Nationals on April 26, 2008. He showed that he had no fear and threw his body after the ball and dived head first towards the wall to make a catch that is still talked about. Even veteran Bob Brenly called it “possibly the best catch I’ve ever seen.”
Reed Johnson made other great catches besides that one. He also came through at the plate in clutch situations, driving in 50 RBIs in only 109 games, many of which were not starts. Johnson ended up hitting .303, with 6 HRs, 21 doubles, and 50 RBI. Along with Jim Edmonds, they made a very productive center field combination.
During the offseason Reed Johnson has worked out vigorously with his workout buddy Aaron Rowand of the Giants to get into the best shape possible for the 2009 season. He comes into camp in great shape and 14 pounds lighter then last year. Reed says he wants to be a starter and that he wants to play every day.
“I want to prove not only to this organization but let people know I’m not finished as an everyday guy yet. That’s kind of been my mentality throughout the whole offseason to gear me toward being in shape for this. When I’m working out in the offseason, all I’m thinking about is playing on an everyday basis.“ – Reed Johnson
Many Cubs fans would agree with Johnson and are hoping he will see a lot of playing time in 2009, both in centerfield as a starter and also getting some starts in both the outfield corners. Johnson will have to share center with Kosuke Fukudome, whom the Cubs have made a big financial commitment to, but if Johnson produces like he did last season, he will see plenty of playing time.
So good luck in 2009 Reed Johnson. We respect your preparation, hard work and attitude and really look forward to watching you play.
GO CUBS!!!
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RELATED:
- WATCH: Johnson: Proud to be a Cub – MLB Network – Interview and video of “the catch” against the Nationals.
- Reed Johnsons “heady” style of play makes him a Chicago Cubs fan favorite – Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune – Read Article
- Johnson aims to be center of attention – Carrie Muskrat – MLB.com
- No Foolin: Reed Johnson details intense offseason workout routine – Ted Keith – SportsIllustrated
- 2009 Chicago Cubbies Season Outlook: Reed Johnson – BleacherReport
- Cubs’ Johnson sheds pounds, buoys resolve – Las Vegas Review Journal
