Nick Johnson loses arbitration case

[WebHamster]

Montreal, QB (Sports Network) - The Montreal Expos defeated first baseman Nick Johnson Tuesday in arbitration, as the arbitrators decided against Johnson for $1.25 million this season.

Johnson, who was acquired via trade from the New York Yankees this offseason, was looking for $1.68 million. Johnson, outfielder Juan Rivera and lefthander Randy Choate came over to Montreal in exchange for right-handed pitcher Javier Vazquez.

Johnson batted .284 with 14 homers, 47 RBI and a .422 on-base percentage last season. He has posted a career average of .256 in 248 games over three injury- filled seasons for the Yankees.

This was the second arbitration case heard for major league players so far. The teams have now emerged victorious in both instances, with the Cincinnati Reds getting their way in a case with pitcher Chris Reitsma.