SARASOTA, Fla. — After struggling when given a chance to replace George Sherrill as closer during the second half of last season, Jim Johnson hopes for a revival now that he’s back to a setup role for the Baltimore Orioles.
“When I took over for George last season, I probably tried to overdo it,” Johnson said. “That never really leads to success.”
Johnson blew three of his 11 save chances in the ninth-inning role after Sherrill was traded to Los Angeles, and Baltimore signed Mike Gonzalez during the offseason to become its closer.
“We all understand what Mike was brought here for.,” Johnson said, “and that’s fine.”
A starter in the minor leagues, Johnson was converted to a reliever two years ago. He didn’t allow a run in his first 10 appearances and he didn’t allow a home run all season.
His finished 2-4 with a 2.23 ERA in 2008 but slumped to 4-6 with a 4.11 ERA last year, when he allowed eight homers and failed to convert six of 16 save chances.
“He will be himself. He will be effective as an eighth-inning guy as opposed to a closer,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “He did try to do a little more than he should have when he was the closer. I think he’ll be better suited for the eighth inning.”
Johnson believes there shouldn’t be any difference between the roles.
“If you’re pitching any game in the big leagues, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing,” Johnson said. “You’re playing in a big league ballpark in front of a lot of fans. You’re still going to have an adrenaline rush.”
Trembley is happy to have Johnson back in the eighth and is confident he’ll see a more settled pitcher.
“I just think some guys try to overthrow,” Trembley said.
This is the Orioles’ first spring training in Sarasota, and Johnson recently moved there from upstate New York. He got tired of battling snow in his preparation.
“I couldn’t get ready for a season up there,” Johnson said. “You can’t prepare yourself if you have to throw in a gym that’s only 120 feet. You have to be able to run outside.”
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Jim Johnson Associated Press
Orioles’ Johnson hopes for revival in 8th inning
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