D-Backs avoid arbitration, agree to terms with Johnson

From Arizona Diamondbacks Media Relations (PHOENIX) — The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today they have avoided arbitration and agreed to terms with infielder Kelly Johnson on a one-year contract, according to D-backs’ Executive Vice President and General Manager Kevin Towers. 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. He was named the National League Player of the Month in April 2010 and became the fourth D-backs’ player to hit for the cycle in franchise history in a game against the Giants on July 23. He committed just 8 errors to post a .988 fielding percentage, which ranked fifth among all NL second basemen and is second only to Craig Counsell’s .990 fielding p...