Jim Johnson turns 26 on June 27th. Johnson emerged with the O’s last year, when he was fully converted from Minor League Starter to the O’s bullpen. That conversion allowed for a 2-3 mph gain on his fast-ball, and increasing depth for sinker.
In 54 games, Johnson had a 2.23 era. In 68.2 innings, he allowed only 54hits, 28 walks, with 38 k’s. He had a Grounder to Fly-ball Ratio of 1.44, and held hitters to an amazingly low .537 OPS.
In 2009, Johnson as already pitched in 30 games, and has a 2.67 era. In 33.2 innings, he has allowed 31 hits, 11 walks, with 23 k’s. He has a Grounder to Fly-ball Ratio of 1.33, and has hitters to a .672 OPS. In his last 12.1 innings, Johnson has allowed only 1 er.
As strong as his stuff is, he does not get a ton of k’s. That said, his K rate has improved from last year. More importantly, he continues to get grounders at an excellent rate. Rick Dempsey has stated he believes Johnson has the most effective sinker in the American League.
Seeing Johnson come-back and be effective after the shoulder-impingement he had last September was extremely important for this season.
Overall, I think Johnson is proving to be pretty durable. One of the things I liked best about him as he made thetransition from starter to reliever, is that he had 3 seasons in the Minors of 148 innings or more. That level of arm-strength is exactly what you want to see in a guy that is going to be asked to make numerous appearances, and be up and down in the pen.
Johnson is under organizational control for the next 4 years, scheduled to make little in 2010, and arbitration eligible during the 2011-2013 seasons.
If George Sherrill were to be traded, it would be interesting to see if Johnson would get an opportunity to close, or if he would stay in the set-up capacity.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.