Is it time to Reed between the lines?

The Toronto Blue Jays made their left field situation a little clearer. On Saturday, the team cut 31-year old Reed Johnson, likely meaning that free agent returnee Shannon Stewart will be the Opening Day left fielder for the Jays. Johnson was drafted by the Jays in 1998, and had a breakout season in 2006, when he batted .319 and and had a career-high 147 hits. But he battled a back injury in 2007, and was limited to only 79 games.

This season will be the second time around for Stewart and the Jays. He was drafted by Toronto in the first round of the 1992 draft, and played with the team until he was traded to the Minnesota Twins in the middle of the 2003 season. While playing with the Jays, Stewart racked up 73 home runs, and had a career-high 51 stolen bases in 1998. He was never able to stay healthy in Minnesota, and last season in Oakland, and his production took a hit over the years. He just turned 34 years old, and could have a couple more solid seasons in him, and the Jays were willing to take a chance on that.

As for Johnson, he could have a golden opportunity to play with the Mets. With left fielder Moises Alou on the shelf for at least the first month of the season, the Mets are looking for a right-handed hitter to take over in left, and provide the team with a solid bat off the bench when Alou returns. There had been rumors that the Mets were trying to work a deal with the Jays for Johnson, and now they can sign him for a few small bucks, and not have to trade any players away. If I were GM Omar Minaya, I would be talking to Johnson's representatives as soon as possible, and get him signed before the season begins.

There have also been rumors that the Mets have been talking to the Tigers about Marcus Thames and the Orioles about Kevin Millar. But there haven't been any known advancement in any trade talks. But the Mets need to make one more move - they need that right-handed batter, preferably one that can play the corner outfield, and infield positions. Millar, Johnson and Thames can all fit that profile. Here are some other Spring Training news & notes:

• Miguel Cabrera has become a very rich man. In fact, he's become the richest man to ever put on a Detroit Tigers uniform. ESPN.com is reporting that Cabrera and the Tigers reached a preliminary agreement on a eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension Saturday. Cabrera was acquired, along with Dontrelle Willis, from the Florida Marlins in December for a package of young players, including Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin and Mike Rabelo.
• The Nationals released former ace John Patterson, in a somewhat shocking move. Although, it's hard to blame the club - they simply ran out of patience. This once talented right-hander has only started 30 games once in his career (31 in 2005), and has been riddled with injuries over his career. This spring, Patterson, who was the Opening Day starter for the Nats last season, was 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA. If Patterson is able to latch on to another club, and if he can stay healthy, he should be able to have a pretty decent season - keep in mind, he just turned 30 years of age in January.
• Javy Lopez is calling a career. The three-time All-Star catcher retired Saturday, after playing 15 seasons with the Braves, Orioles, and Red Sox. Lopez tried out with the Rockies in Spring Training in 2007, but was cut by the team and missed the entire season. In December, he inked a minor league deal with the Braves, in an attempt to make a comeback as a backup to Brian McCann. But the Braves decided to reassign the veteran to the minor leagues, and Lopez decided he'd rather hang up the cleats than play in the minors. Lopez finishes his career with 260 home runs and 864 RBI.
• Bumps, bruises, groin pulls and other various injuries. They're happening all over Florida and Arizona. Here are some more injuries that may affect some teams' plans to begin the regular season:
• The Brewers placed pitcher Yovanni Gallardo on the 15-day DL after going under minor knee surgery last month. Gallardo, who is expected to be a staple in the Brewers' rotation for years to come, is only expected to miss at most the first month of the season. He has the ability to strike out 150 batters, and should be able to win at least 15 games, even with the delayed start.
• The Tigers are going to need Cabrera to be the typical slugger he is, right from the get-go, as their lead-off man and center fielder Curtis Granderson will start the season on the 15-day disabled list. Granderson was hit by a pitch on his right hand during a game against the Phillies, and one of his fingers is broken. He is slated to miss at least three weeks, according to ESPN.
• The Giants' Noah Lowry will miss the first month of the season after having forearm surgery earlier this month. A healthy Lowry is one of the few bright spots for the Giants, as they are set to begin their rebuilding process. The surgery was a procedure meant to alleviate pressure in his forearm muscle, and was successful.
• The Nationals placed two pitchers on the 15-day disabled list. Shawn Hill, who is expected to become the Nats' ace someday, has never been able to stay healthy, and 2008 will be no different. Whether its a shoulder, elbow or forearm, injuries have consistently gotten in Hill's way of becoming a stud pitcher. This time, it's his elbow that will force him to miss the start of the regular season. Ryan Wagner (shoulder) was also placed on the DL.
• The Blue Jays will be without reliever Casey Janssen for all of 2008. Janssen underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum. The surgery was performed by none other than Dr. Lewis Yocum. He is hoping to be back in time for the start of the '09 season.