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Diamondbacks Reaction To Chris Johnson Trade

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July 26, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros infielder Chris Johnson (23) throws out a runner in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
July 26, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros infielder Chris Johnson (23) throws out a runner in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Tim had a link to the Chris Johnson trade stories, but I thought I'd throw this up today, going over the Arizona fans reaction to gaining CJ and jettisoning the two minor leaguers.

The good (from SB Nation's D'Backs site, AZ Snake Pit):

Not a sexy name

But I’d say a pretty strong trade. I worry about his defense a little, but I’d like to see what he can do at Chase with a 500-600 AB season and some better protection around him than he’s had with the Astros. If he did, I think we’re looking at around .280, 20+ HR, 80-90 RBI.

The common:

Wrong player...

He can hit, though he’s a little streaky. He’s still pretty young at 27. Injuries have prevented him from really putting up a full season. Keys for him will be stay healthy, play solid enough defense and D’backs fans will end up liking him more than they think they do now.

Johnson’s not very good. We didn’t give up much but I was hoping we would have gotten someone at least average lol… Hopefully he’ll be like Hill? Doubt it though.

The story's author:

Johnson has been hitting .279/.329/.428 with 8 Home Runs and has been worth 0.5 bWAR so far this year for the Astros. It screams "Average", but average is better than what the D'Backs have been getting from the hot corner this season.

According to Nick Piecoro, those two were never held in high esteem by the Kevin Towers regime, and perhaps a move to the Astros organization will be a fresh start for them.

The Newspaper:

Gibson compared Johnson to highly regarded Padres third baseman Chase Headley.

"He's had a pretty good season and he's still fairly young. We see a lot of potential in him," Gibson said. "We like to think we'll plug him into a good environment and he'll get even better."