Yankees, Kelly Johnson nearing one-year deal

The Yankees shocked most of the league Tuesday night when they signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year, $153 million contract, and they weren't even done. The Bombers are closing in a on a one-year, $3 million deal with second baseman Kelly Johnson, reports Joel Sherman of the NY Post.

Kelly spent last season in Tampa Bay with the Rays, the fourth team of his eight-year career, and he hit .235 with 16 homeruns with a .305 on-base percentage.

It's not his batting average that attracts the Yankees, but his power at the plate and versatility in the field make him a player worth signing. A left-handed hitter with power, I wonder how that might play out in Yankee Stadium.

Kelly has experience playing both second base and left field, and he could even play third base if needed. Sherman said that the Yankees plan on using him around the infield, and could be used as a fallback option at second base if they can't get a deal done with Robinson Cano.

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