ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

MLB analyst: Chris Johnson a different player right now

Aug 8, 2012, 6:40 PM | Updated: 8:19 pm

Chris Johnson has been on a bit of a tear since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Acquired on July 29 for a couple of minor leaguers, the third baseman has hit a ridiculous .345 with five home runs and 15 RBI in just eight games, leading many to wonder if he is the best trade pickup in all of baseball this season.

ESPN MLB analyst Tim Kurkjian, as a guest on Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo, said it’s likely the case.

“The guy seems to hit a home run — or two — seemingly every game,” he said.

Kurjkian noted that it’s not uncommon for a player to change teams and see his season take a monster turn for the better or worse, and it appears that’s what’s happening with Johnson right now.

“The beauty of it is the guy can just be a completely different player for two months and that’s the only two months he has, good or bad,” he said.

It’s actually quite interesting.

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MLB analyst: Chris Johnson a different player right now