Baltimore Orioles closer Jim Johnson got a little love from the Academy BBWAA for the American League Cy Young award. Johnson finished seventh in the voting with a total of five points (one fourth place vote and three fifth place votes).
JJ finished behind David Price (153 points), Justin Verlander (149), Jered Weaver (70), Felix Hernandez (41), Fernando Rodney (38) and Chris Sale (17). A closer will never win the Cy Young, but Rodney’s season was so historically good that I can agree with Johnson finishing behind him.
Rodney also won the MLB Delivery Man of the Year Award as well.
Still, it was great to see Johnson recognized for his outstanding work in 2012. He broke the Orioles franchise saves record (finishing with 51), and recorded an outstanding 2.49 ERA over 71 appearances. His lights-out work in the O’s numerous extra inning wins didn’t go unnoticed.
Johnson received his lone fourth place vote from John Hickey of the Seattle chapter and fifth place votes from Mel Antonen of Baltimore, Greg Fraley and Drew Davison of Texas.
