There is nobody associated with the Orioles organization that I respect more than Jim Palmer.The man was part of every Oriole World Series team, won 3 Cy Young Awards, and was a 20 game winner 8 times. (On another day we can discuss how many within the sabermetric community believe Palmer was over-rated.)
My direct memories of Palmer are not of him as a player but as an announcer. I remember him doing games as far back as 20+ years ago with WMAR. With all due respect to Joe Angel, only Jon Miller stands above Palmer as an Oriole announcer during this time-frame. No matter how much knowledge of the game you believe you have, you will always learn something new listening to Palmer and his analysis day-after-day, summer-after-summer.
That long-winded preface brings me to yesterday and the MASN telecast of the O’s in Toronto. Palmer, and his broadcast partner Jim Hunter, suggested once more that the future for Jim Johnson could entail a return to a rotation.
To me, this is evidence that even the best are capable of off days. Yes, Johnson was a Minor League starter. Yes, Johnson has that power sinker which could help him eat innings. No, there is no reason to discuss Johnson ever again joining the O’s rotation.
Johnson turned 27 years-old in June. He was last a starter in 2007, when he pitched 148 innings for AAA Norfolk. Since that time, he has pitched a combined 172.1 innings during the 2008, ’09, and ’10 seasons. Let us say that you were able to stretch Johnson’s arm out during Spring Training 2011 to the point he was physically ready to start again. Would that be the proper decision for a guy that missed 4 months of 2010 season to an elbow injury?
The O’s are not lacking for options to start anyway. Baring trade or injury; Guthrie, Matusz, Arrieta, and Bergesen are locks for the Oriole rotation to begin 2011. That leaves only the 5th starter.
Why would Johnson be a better option for the rotation vs. Chris Tillman?
Johnson 2007 AAA (Age 24): 6-12, 4.07 era, 148 innings, 164 hits, 48 walks, 109 k’s
Tillman 2010 AAA (Age 22): 11-7, 3.34 era, 121.1 innings, 120 hits, 30 walks, 94 k’s
Zack Britton is also waiting in the wings, and will be the first option if/when injuries and non-performance occurs.
The effectiveness of relief pitchers can widely fluctuate from year to year, but the O’s potentially could have a very strong bullpen in 2011. If the O’s are able to retain Uehara, you are looking at a bullpen that looks likes:
Uehara
Gonzalez
Hernandez
Johnson
Berken (if able)
Simon / VandenHurk
Patton / 2nd lefty
With Albers, Sarfate, Mickolio, Hoey all providing options/depth depending on the health of the aforementioned.
Bringing back Uehara is no guarantee, but even if that occurs you will not be able to pencil him in for 162 games. Gonzalez missed significant time this year. Berken’s ability to be ready is going to be a mystery. Simon and VandenHurk have power arms that can help, but you do not want to have to rely on either.
Even if Johnson was not coming off of his own injury, you would still want him to be part of that bullpen and providing quality depth to that group.
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.