Kelly Johnson hopes to reward Braves' loyalty

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Second baseman focusing on cutting down errors

Commanding a new job as the Braves second baseman last year means even the soft-spoken Kelly Johnson can't exactly blend in anymore.

This offseason in Atlanta, he got recognized, mostly in guy places, Johnson said, such as Firehouse Subs, Sports Authority or Home Depot.

He was surprised one day when a man cutting him a copy of a key said, "Hey, good season."

That's about right. Coming off elbow surgery and playing a new position, Johnson hit .276 for the Braves last year with 10 triples and 16 homers. In his first full season in the majors, having moved to second from the outfield, Johnson was a steady presence in the Braves' lineup and on the infield.

He hit leadoff for much of the season before Willie Harris got hot. And he spent stretches in a second-base platoon once Yunel Escobar burst onto the scene.

But when the Braves traded Edgar Renteria to Detroit this winter and gave Escobar the everyday job at shortstop, they also showed the confidence they have in Johnson at second base.

"He had a good year last year," manager Bobby Cox said. "I think he got a little tired toward the end. [But] he had a good solid year."

Johnson hit .194 (16-for-82) in his last 24 games and says he "definitely" wore down.

He doesn't think he'll have the same issue this year, given how different his offseason has been. Last winter, with a new position to learn, he spent three to five days a week at Turner Field, taking groundballs at second base from coach Glenn Hubbard. That started in October. And he did it on top of elbow rehabilitation and regular workouts.

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