Once again, BDD offers the news before anybody else...

From the Blue Jays press release:

"The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have signed outfielder REED JOHNSON to a one-year contract worth $3.275 million (US).

JOHNSON, 31, posted a .236 average with two home runs and 14 RBI this past season, in an injury shortened season. The 5-10, 180 lb. right-handed hitter underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in early April 2007. The Las Vegas, Nevada resident is a career .281 with 42 home runs and 234 RBI over five Major League seasons, all with the Blue Jays. JOHNSON was originally drafted in the 17th round of the June 1999 First Year Player Draft."

Analysis -

The Blue Jays are making Johnson keep the left field spot warm for Adam Lind next season.  After missing half of last season following back surgery, Johnson struggles at the plate and also with his most lethal weapon: OBP.  He was on base 39% of the time in 2006 as the Blue Jays leadoff hitter, but failed to repeat his performance.  He figures to platoon with Matt Stairs in left field and also be involved in the late innings of a game as a defensive replacement.

With the recent addition of David Eckstein to the Toronto roster and likely to be the leadoff hitter, there is no sure spot for Johnson, with Overbay said to have the upper-hand to be in the #2 slot against right-handers and Aaron Hill as a possibility against southpaws.


From Phillies press release:

"Roberson, 28, spent most of last season with AAA Ottawa, where he batted .266 in 113 games playing primarily in center field.  In two recalls by the Phillies in 2007, Roberson batted .286 (8-28) in 28 games. 

A switch-hitter, Roberson was drafted by the Phillies in the 9th round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft and made his major league debut in 2006.  He was named the Phillies' best minor league player and Eastern League rookie of the year in 2005 after batting .311 with AA Reading. 

To make room for Roberson on the 40-man roster, OF Jeff Fiorentino was designated for assignment by the Orioles.  Fiorentino, who hit .253 in brief stays with the Orioles in 2005 and 2006, batted .282 with 15 homers and 65 RBI at AA Bowie this past season."