Nick Johnson Scratched From Phillies Game Due to Initial Injury

I don't want anyone to over-react here. But there are those of us who followed Nick Johnson when he was a top Yankee prospect.

He had a great glove at first base, and could hit a ton.

Problem was; he always fell down the stairs of the dugout, or flopped over the railing chasing a pop foul ( and unlike Derek, Nick always limped away), or tripped on the way to the fridge.

He once broke his wrist blowing his nose, and until this day, I didn't realize he did it a second time.

There are many Yankee followers, therefore, who were sad to see him leave the Yankees for two bags of balls and a resin bag, but were relieved to know he would never again hurt the Yankees.

He could hit .400 for the Nationals and it wouldn't bother us. What bothered us was we built expectations of a first rate, young Yankee player, but never got to see the fruits of our hopes.

He was always hurt at AA, AAA and with the big club. I don't think he ever played three games in a row for us.

So what do you imagine we are thinking now?

This guy is penciled into the Yankee line-up in the number two hole for every game. He is our replacement for Johnny Damon.

He didn't make it to the second exhibition game after DHing, and watching a called third strike in the first exhibition against a beer-league softball pitcher. Instead, he hurt his back.

Must have sneezed.

I will say this and nothing more; this is not a good sign.