THE BUZZ

Tim Crothers

May 04, 1998

The Cubs will gladly entertain trade offers for 34-year-old centerfielder Lance Johnson. When Johnson missed 14 starts with a strained groin and hip flexor, he was replaced in 10 of those games by Brant Brown, 26, who hit .333 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. Johnson won't be easy to deal, however, because the two-year, $10 million contract extension he signed in November '96 runs through next season.