The Cubs may be concerned about offensive production, period. The Cubs were very average in runs scored last year, and they didn't do much to improve the attack this year.

Johnson did put up an .869 OPS in 2006. Sure, that was a career year, but the Cubs could use anything close to that. Might as well take a look.

This is for the right handed hitting side of a platoon with Pie. Johnson crushes lefties. I don't think they are that worried about Pie, but they are platooning him.
As for overall offense; they are improving at catcher by quite a bit, and they will be improving at RF.
It will come down to if the big three do what they are supposed to do.

I've read in more than one place that the Cubs are reluctant to give a full commitment to Pie, and I honestly don't get it. He hit poorly in limited AB's (about 175 IIRC) last year, but he's generally hit well in the minors, and is having a very good spring.I think he deserves a chance to play every day, but unfortunately, it's not my call.

For a team wanting to compete, this is a better move than throwing Pie to the wolves. Now that Lowercase X has moved north of the border, we may see more Reed Johnson articles.

My over under on his HBP next year is 19.5