Everyone was worried about Jim Johnson. Some crazy blogger even said Buck Showalter should move him out of the closer’s role while he worked through his issues.
What does that guy know?
On Sunday, Jim Johnson recorded his 25th save in 29 chances. He’s currently tied with Pirates closer Jason Grilli for the league lead and one ahead of future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera.
Last season, Johnson led the Majors with 51 saves, he’s currently on pace for 58 in 2013. Matthew Pouliot of NBCSports.com points out on Twitter that JJ could join Eric Gagne and Rivera as the only relievers with two 50-save seasons. Gagne was the only reliever prior to do it back-to-back.
That’s some really good company — and Eric Gagne.
He is putting up decent numbers but I don’t have the faith in him I did last year , he has clearly slipped a bit on the trustworthy scale,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you know you hold your breath when he comes in a gome now , don’t you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,If you don’t , you should , Buck does……………….
I’d like to see Johnson make a run at K-Rod’s single season saves record. If only he’d blown two fewer saves, he would be on pace for exactly 63 saves. If the O’s keep producing the opportunities though, it could happen.
Decent #’s?I don’t worry too much when he comes in.He gets alot of double plays,too.
Eric Gagne? Ouch. Let’s hope JJ doesn’t have the same arm issues…and PED issues that Gagne had.