ORIOLES NOTEBOOK
Johnson Has Shown His Versatility
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
OAKLAND, Calif., May 6 -- When he arrived for his new assignment as a relief pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles, right-hander Jim Johnson understood the simple formula he needed to follow to earn opportunities to pitch.
So, as the long reliever, Johnson excelled. He did not allow an earned run until Monday night's 3-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics. He surrendered the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th, ending his 17-inning scoreless streak.
That Johnson was on the mound during a critical stretch for the team was a signal of progress.
"He's quietly gone about his business and been a significant force on our club," Manager Dave Trembley said. "This guy has made improvements that have been pretty amazing. One, he's been very reliable, and two, he's earned a lot of respect from all of us."
Trembley said he would have no problem putting Johnson in tight late-game situations. The pitcher already has shown his versatility. A starter in the minor leagues, Johnson has been used both in long relief and late in close games.
"When I first get up here, I have to earn playing time," he said. "I have to pitch and earn the chance to pitch in certain situations. I feel like I've tried to show them that I can pitch in whatever situation they need me to."
Minor Achievers
Catcher Matt Wieters and left-handed pitcher Chris Waters were named the Orioles' minor league players of the month. Wieters, the team's first-round draft pick last season, is hitting .344 in 28 games with the Class A Frederick Keys. He has five homers and 18 RBI. Waters is 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA for Class AA Bowie. He has 22 strikeouts in 32 innings.
UP NEXT Today at Athletics3:35 p.m. Guthrie (1-3) vs. Blanton (2-5) MASN Tomorrow at Royals8:10 p.m. Cabrera (2-1) vs. Hochevar (2-1) MASN UP NEXT Today at Athletics3:35 p.m. Guthrie (1-3) vs. Blanton (2-5) MASN Tomorrow at Royals8:10 p.m. Cabrera (2-1) vs. Hochevar (2-1) MASN
