A little more J.J.
Checking back with Jim Johnson from last night's Hot Stove Show on MASN, the right-hander said he's talked to manager Dave Trembley and pitching coach Rick Kranitz about his role this season, and they both seem more comfortable with him in the bullpen.
I guess we can debate whether he should start, but the organization is in agreement that he shouldn't. And it's his own fault for being so good in a set-up role.
With spring training approaching, I'm reminded how Johnson tweaked his mechanics in Fort Lauderdale last year, extending his stride and finding much better results.
Johnson says he's looking forward to learning a few Japanese words that he can use this season with Koji Uehara joining the team. I'm tempted to do the same and gain an edge over my competitors, but I have enough trouble with English.
The Bowie High School track team is trying to raise money to attend a regional track meet at Virginia Tech, and possibly a national meet in Boston. The Double-A Bowie Baysox donated an autographed team ball to the Bowie Blade that will be auctioned. Bidding starts at $75 and can be sent to Jake Linger via his e-mail (jlinger@bladenews.com) or by calling 301-262-3700.
And yes, Matt Wieters' signature appears on the ball.
Ravens 20, Titans 17.
Bring on the Steelers.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
so roch whats the word on some oriole signings?can they spend some of the tex money????there is so much out there and all i hear is about second rate players.though the gomez signing was a good one.
Roch,
Do the O's have any substantial interest in Nomar at first? You previously mentioned Garko as a trade candidate, but I hope we don't give up pitching for him.
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I haven't heard them connected to Nomar, though I guess it makes sense for a year if they want a right-handed hitter who can play first. - Roch
The Mets just signed Redding. Another potential starter lost. 2009 is starting to shape up as another loser as no aggressive effort to get pitchers that can bridge us to 2011 when our youth is matured and ready to start.
Does't the fact that the O's can't afford JJ to be a starter show the lack of quality of all the other bullpen bodies they have out there? If they keep Sherill as the closer,why can't Ray take JJ's place as set up? What good is Randor Beird if he can't get people out?Albers could be used in that role also. They are also hurting JJ's income potential by leaving him in the back end of the bullpen vs. starter.
He is going to be pitching more than the 8th inning, isn't he? The set-up man on the Orioles is a 2-3 inning deal.
Roch, I'm a little disturbed by one of your comments. "Bring on the Steelers" implies that the Chargers are an afterthought. Wouldn't Ravens writers prefer to play next week in sunny San Diego rather than bitter cold Pittsburgh?! I'd boycott your blog, but I enjoy it too much. And my memory is so short that I'd forget the boycott by this afternoon. Go CHARGERS (and those purple guys).
The Steelers, Roch?
Wouldn't you rather travel 3,000 miles and play in a city where it almost never rains and is slways warm and sunny?
Playing in Pittsburgh you are taking a chance with the weather alone.
We haven't beaten the Steelers this season and I doubt we will if we win today.
What's our name?
RAVENS!!!
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Just predicting Steelers win tomorrow, not showing a rooting interest. I don't think Chargers win that game. - Roch
There's a lot that can happen with Jim Johnson and I'm suggesting this will be a pivotal year for him for many reasons.
He could remain the set-up man all year and maintain his health as a combination of Sherrill and/or Ray serve as closers.
He could step in as a closer if both Ray and Sherrill stumble.
He could incur another arm injury thus proving the relief role is too hard on his arm. This would force the club to switch him back to the starting rotation since he rarely missed a turn in seven minor-league seasons.
He could step in as a starter if and when others stumble. He may thrive and become a cornerstone of the rotation or he may generate mixed results and return to the bullpen.
Any way you slice it, he is a valuable pitcher whose role has yet to be defined. There's no sense in stamping a label on him right now.
When the Browns lose can we can we get baseball only blogs?
Roch ...
I'm the sports editor for the Bowie Blade-News who is helping the Bowie High indoor track team. Thanks a lot for including that in your blog and I hope folks realize that anyone can bid on the Baysox signed team baseball by simply e-mailing me at jlinger@bladenews.com, or by calling 301-262-3700, ext. 206. Thanks. The Bulldogs and me appreciate the help.