Nick

Johnson

Cashman may still seek to upgrade the bullpen, with Scott Sauerbeck of Pittsburgh on the Yankee radar. If the Yankees are indeed not looking for hitting, it’s less likely Texas will be able to trade Juan Gonzalez.

Johnson looks on track to make GM Brian Cashman’s projected return date of Aug. 1.

''They’re pretty sure that by the weekend he’ll be ready to join us,’' manager Joe Torre said. Torre also said that Johnson will be given his old spot back in the lineup as the DH, although when Johnson got hurt he was hitting second with Derek Jeter on the DL. He could go into the ninth spot to provide a good on-base percentage in front of Alfonso Soriano.

There should be more information on his status later today.

Jim Bowden can’t possibly be that... Well, maybe he can, but we still don’t see this happening.

Well, duh. It’d be an awful move for the Expos/Nationals to part with Johnson while his value is at its lowest, but GM Jim Bowden is interested in making a splash, not building a team for the long term. It’s possible -- though still quite unlikely -- that the Expos will deal Johnson for pitching and go with Brad Wilkerson at first, leaving room in the outfield for both Endy Chavez and Terrmel Sledge. If it happens, the Nationals will be the early favorites to have the worst OBP in baseball.

Interesting if true. Considering that Johnson had more injury problems last season and is moving closer to free agency, he’s probably not as valuable as Rios at the moment. Still, Johnson fits in better with the Blue Jays’ offensive philosophy. Maybe something could be worked out if the Nationals throw in a prospect or even Tony Armas Jr.

There is still no timetable for his return, though the first half of June is a safe bet.

Johnson is on the DL with a stress fracture, and isn’t expected back until at least late June.

Johnson owners won’t mind Derek Jeter taking his time in rehab. Hitting in between Alfonso Soriano and Jason Giambi has been pretty sweet for Johnson, 24, who has a 981 OPS and 27 Runs Produced. Fantasy owners have been looking for this kind of production ever since Johnson became the only minor leaguer in the 1990s to post an on-base percentage over .500 at Double-A in 1999. He’s not about to keep the No. 2 spot when Jeter returns, so his numbers could fall off a bit, but there’s no reason to expect a total collapse.