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          New York Mets

          Catcher Johnson opts for free agency

          Oct 17, 2012
          • Adam RubinESPN Staff Writer
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          Rob Johnson

          Rob Johnson

          #16 C
          New York Mets

          2012 STATS

          • GM17

          • HR0

          • RBI4

          • R3

          • OBP.298

          • AVG.250

          Catcher Rob Johnson has been removed from the Mets' 40-man roster. After clearing waivers, he elected free agency.

          Johnson's departure and the free agency of Kelly Shoppach leave Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas as the only major league-capable catchers under the organization's control at this point. The Mets will consider re-signing Shoppach because his likely 2013 salary would match the organization's spending capability, but team officials were not enamored with Shoppach and are first expected to investigate other options.

          Johnson finished the season on the DL with a torn ligament in his left thumb, which did not require surgery.