10 in 10: Top offensive Spring Training performances over the past decade

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MLB: Toronto Blue Jays-Workouts /

Before we get into his 2007 spring training stats, here is a fun fact about Reed Johnson – he has been hit by a pitch three times in a game not once, but twice!

Now, back to the good stuff. Going into spring training in 2007, pretty well every Blue Jays fan was excited for Johnson. After coming off an incredible 2006 season where he hit 12 homeruns, drove in 43 RBIs and slashed an eye-opening .319/.390/.479, the hype was warranted.

Johnson lived up to the hype in spring training, as he continued where he left off from the 2006 season. In 48 at-bats, Johnson had 21 hits and had a slash line of .438/.449/.750. To go along with those numbers, Johnson hit three homeruns, drove in eight RBIs and added six doubles and a stolen base. Johnson was the definition of a leadoff hitter, and he started the regular season in that spot.

Feb 25, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitchers and catcher talk during spring training workouts at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays /

Toronto Blue Jays

Unfortunately for the Blue Jays and their fan base, Johnson’s hot spring did not carry into the regular season. During the 2007 season Johnson played in just 79 games, hitting just two homeruns and driving in 14 RBIs. To go along with the lack of production, Johnson slashed an abysmal .236/.305/.320, and was subsequently cut the next season.

While he may have had a rough regular season in 2007, his spring training numbers were far from rough. Johnson, due to his gritty style of play, will always be a fan favourite in Toronto, and rightfully so.

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