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Russ Johnson stays ready for every situation.
By KEVIN KELLY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 26, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- Where others might see an undesirable role, Russ Johnson has found a niche.
Looking for a pinch-hitter in the ninth? Need a spot start in the infield? How about a pinch-runner for the catcher?
Johnson is your utility man.
"The hardest thing to do as a utility player is to stay confident because there is a lot of failure involved if you're not sharp," he said after Monday's workout at the Ray Naimoli Complex. "I think as long as you don't use the excuse, "Well, I'm not playing a lot,' it's easier to be productive when you get the shot."
The Rays value Johnson, who turned 29 Friday, enough to sign him to a two-year, $1.35-million contract after he hit .294 with four homers and 33 RBIs in 85 games last season, while playing four positions.
"I think it takes a few years for a player to have the drive and ambition to be an everyday player and yet accept his position as being a quality utility man," general manager Chuck LaMar said.
"A lot of young players obviously still want to be starting players and cannot get themselves ready on a day-to-day basis if they're not an everyday player. It's a very fine line."
Johnson has been a utility man for the bulk of his major-league career; first in Houston behind Craig Biggio and now with Tampa Bay.
But when then-manager Larry Rothschild benched second baseman Bobby Smith six games into last season, Johnson started 29 of the next 32 games before straining his right quadriceps on May 15.
He hit .294 with 12 runs, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers and 14 RBIs during the span.
"Two and a half years in the big leagues and then all of the sudden I'm in there on an everyday basis," Johnson said. "My legs got tired and I got a little dehydrated and strained a muscle.
"At the same time, it was an opportunity and I did well with it. Not just this team, but other teams saw it too. That's the good thing about when you do get a chance to produce, there's 29 other eyeballs watching."
And he gained notice in late-inning situations last season.
His pinch-hit single in the ninth against Boston on June 28 gave the Rays a 4-3 win. Against the Marlins on July 6, Johnson singled home the winning run in the 11th inning. And on Aug. 5 against the White Sox, he squeezed home the winner in the ninth.
"He's always ready late in the game," Rays manager Hal McRae said. "You don't have to tell him to go get ready. He sniffs out the situations and knows that it's time for him to get moving."
Not only did Johnson win a trio of games, he also led the Rays with a .373 average with runners in scoring position. Johnson's batting averages in five situations -- with runners on, close and late, bases loaded, pinch hitting and from the seventh inning on -- were better than the team's overall average.
"Everybody can't do it," McRae said. "You need a certain type makeup, a certain type stroke. Some players can't maintain a good stroke sitting around. Some players need to play every day. Some players don't do well getting one at-bat in a night or one at-bat sometimes in a week.
"Russ gives you a good at-bat regardless of when he's played."
Said LaMar: "Russ still has the ability and the want-to to hopefully become an everyday player. He's experienced enough to accept his current role.
"Russ is a quality major-league player not only for us, but could fit in with any championship-type club."
Johnson, who had a .969 fielding percentage last season, likely will have the same role this year. But if Jared Sandberg and Aubrey Huff don't stand out at third base this spring, Johnson might be considered as a starter.
"I definitely want to start," Johnson said. "It will happen. Sooner or later it's going to come about. It may not be this team, but maybe another team that's going to need somebody and they're willing to give up something for something.
"When that day comes, I'll be ready for that. Right now, that's my role and that's what they want me to do. That's what I'm going to do until they say different."