|
 The sides quickly agreed on an $8 million, one-year contract that
was finalized on Wednesday.
The Padres, coming off a second straight finish of 76-86, hope
they're getting the Johnson who was an All-Star with Miami in 2009
and 2010 and not the one slowed by triceps and forearm injuries last
year while with Toronto.
General manager Josh Byrnes said the Padres decided that if they
could find a starter who had the chance to a difference-maker, they
were going to pursue him.
"Here's a guy who led the league in ERA who has been a dominant
pitcher," Byrnes said. "We know there's risk in any signing but
we're very excited about the upside, what he can bring and now what
our rotation can do to deliver us toward our goal. We want to be an
October team. We really feel like the evolution of our starting
pitching and bringing in Josh, we've taken a big step in that
direction over the last 12 months."
The Padres have had losing records in four of the last five seasons
and have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons.
Johnson, who had bone spurs removed from his right elbow on Oct. 1,
was 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA 16 appearances this season. In addition to
his base salary, Johnson would earn a $1.25 million bonus for making
26 starts.
He said the top teams on his list were the Giants and Padres, and
that he and his agent jumped at the first good offer.
"Every time you come in here you want to stay here," Johnson said.
"The park's great, the city's great, so those two things, that's
pretty much what you want. It's a great park to pitch in. That and
the staff, and then the team, it's a perfect fit."
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While not saying who is going to be the No. 1
starter, manager Bud Black said he envisions Johnson fitting in
at the top of the order along with Andrew Cashner and Tyson
Ross.
"He's done it in the past," Black said. "Obviously he's had some
great performances."
Add in Ian Kennedy and Eric Stults, and "We have the makings of
a very solid rotation," Black said.
The Padres also expect to get young pitchers Joe Wieland and
Cory Luebke back from reconstructive elbow surgery. Casey Kelly
also is recovering from elbow surgery.
Johnson led the NL with a 2.30 ERA in 2010. He has a career
record of 58-45 with a 3.40 ERA.
"I've seen Josh from the other side, when he was with Toronto,
when he was with Florida," Black said. "This guy, potentially
for us, brings a lot to the table. We're really, really pumped
to have Josh here."
The Padres expect Johnson to be ready to go by spring training.
"I was pretty close last year, just not healthy," Johnson said.
"It was tough trying to throw through it and all of a sudden I'm
getting these weird pains all the way up my triceps and my
forearm's getting tight because of everything going on with my
elbow. Hopefully that took care of everything."
NOTES: The Padres will make a corresponding move on the 40-man
roster when Johnson's signing is confirmed by MLB. ... Byrnes
said Luebke threw to college players at San Diego State on
Saturday and did fine.
[Associated
Press]
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