The two sides weren't all that far apart with the Arizona Diamondbacks filing for $4.7 million and Kelly Johnson looking for $6.5 million. Given that relatively small gap and the D-backs express desire to avoid the arbitration hearing scheduled for Wednesday, it is no surprise that they were able to reach an agreement on a one-year deal (terms not yet disclosed).
GM Kevin Towers made it clear that he was happy with the middle of the infield which now includes Miguel Montero (catcher), Stephen Drew (short stop), Kelly Johnson (second base), and Chris Young (center field). That core will anchor the defense and will likely be a much more constant presence in Kirk Gibson's lineup. The infield corners and right field remain much more fluid.
From the D-back's press release: Johnson, 28, hit .284 (166-for-585) with 93 runs scored, 36 doubles, 5 triples, 26 home runs and 71 RBI in 154 games last season. He established career-highs in hits (166), home runs (26), RBI (71), stolen bases (13), slugging percentage (.496) and OPS (.865) while setting a new mark among D-backs' all-time single-season totals for second basemen with 36 doubles.
Over parts of 5 seasons with the Braves and D-backs, Johnson has batted .269 (605-for-2,246) with 363 runs scored, 133 doubles, 27 triples, 71 home runs and 277 RBI in 644 career games. His .810 OPS ranks fourth among NL second basemen from 2007-10.