Cubs bring back Reed Johnson

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This wont cause any huge ripple effects throughout the industry, but it will still be popular in the bleachers and within the clubhouse.

Keeping in line with Theo Epsteins quiet, methodical offseason, the Cubs made another incremental move on Tuesday, officially bringing back Reed Johnson on a one-year, 1.15 million deal.

When healthynot always a given because of his all-out style of playJohnson is an ideal extra outfielder.

Johnson was forced to take a minor-league deal last winter and made the team out of spring training. He wound up hitting .309 and appearing in 111 games for the Cubs last season. He finished with 22 doubles, five homers, 33 runs scored and 28 RBI.

Johnson also remembers what it was like in 2008, when he was a piece to a Cubs team that won 97 games and turned every day at Clark and Addison into a block party.

The 35-year-old brings a veteran presence to the room and could help mentor 2009 first-round pick Brett Jackson, who might be roaming the Wrigley Field outfield as soon as this summer.

For an organization trying to improve clubhouse culture and develop young players, Johnson is a fit.

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