Securing a new designated hitter to replace World Series Most Valuable Player Hideki Matsui, the New York Yankees signed Nick Johnson to a one-year Major League Baseball contract on Wednesday.
The 5.5 million-dollar deal, which includes hefty performance bonuses, brings Johnson back to the Bronx for a second stint after three seasons with the club starting in 2001.
Japanese standout Matsui became a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month, with the Yankees filling the void with Johnson, who hit a combined .291 for Washington and Florida last season with eight home runs and 62 runs batted in.
Johnson was traded from the Yankees to Montreal in 2003 and stayed with the club during its move to the US capital before being sent to Florida last season.
Copyright 2009  AFP American Edition
