Jim Johnson 89-91 MPH today?

[TheBee]

After reading the article, I personally believe him. I expect him to be his normal, nasty self.

[dan-O]

Our closer is still 90-91 after today's performance, while giving up a walk and a single (no runs).

I'm panicking, but apparently no one else is. Including Roch, who has twice reported low velocity and twice said absolutely nothing else about it.

[Frobby]

Last time out, he hit 93-94. Today, he mostly sat 91 but hit 92 at least once. Not too worried yet, but wondering about it.

[dan-O]

Last time out, he hit 93-94. Today, he mostly sat 91 but hit 92 at least once. Not too worried yet, but wondering about it.

I just don't see how the back issue or limited innings causes a drop in velocity. Arrieta was 97MPH in his first outing, you know? It's got to be mechanics or arm problems. Hope I'm wrong.

[Frobby]

I just don't see how the back issue or limited innings causes a drop in velocity. Arrieta was 97MPH in his first outing, you know? It's got to be mechanics or arm problems. Hope I'm wrong.

Every pitcher is different. I think you are right to have some concern, but until I am seeing the guy throw 91-92 in a real major league game, I am not going to go overboard.

[dan-O]

Every pitcher is different. I think you are right to have some concern, but until I am seeing the guy throw 91-92 in a real major league game, I am not going to go overboard.

Just feels like Mike Gonzalez all over again. The one thing I'm taking solace in is the fact that the O's have been pretty good under Duquette/Peterson/Buck about getting everyone tested for injury when there's concern. So maybe they've got a handle on it.

[xKHx]

Just feels like Mike Gonzalez all over again. The one thing I'm taking solace in is the fact that the O's have been pretty good under Duquette/Peterson/Buck about getting everyone tested for injury when there's concern. So maybe they've got a handle on it.

Arrieta, was doing a throwing program to pitch in a reunion before spring training that is why he came in with more arm speed. Pitchers normally don't just show up to spring training pitching at their top speed. It usually takes 3 weeks before they hit their top speeds are consistent throughout their games. Its something to keep an eye on but it is what it is.

[socalbirdfan]

Not encouraging and what's our fallback position? Gregg, Lindstrom, Tillman?

[Mayor McCheese]

Not encouraging and what's our fallback position? Gregg, Lindstrom, Tillman?

Whoever throws the hardest.... We can't allow Gregg to close games.... I like Lindstrom as a set up and Tillman to close if needed.

[Tony-OH]

I would be lying if I said that I'm not concerned over this amount of significant velocity drop this late into spring training. We can only hope it comes back soon, but he needs to operate in the 94-97 MPH range.

My guess Lindstrom or "gulp" Gregg would get first chance at closing although I'd consider Strop or even Tillman before Gregg.

[dan-O]

Eh, edited. Nevermind. Just going to wait and see about Jim Johnson. Hope it's nothing serious.

[weams]

Jim Johnson

"They think I must have sat at 97 mph all day, which is never the case,"
"The one thing they forget is, velocity helps you get to the big leagues, but command makes you stay there. It's like the third important thing. It flip-flops. To get to the big leagues, velocity is important, then command, then movement. Or movement and then command. In the big leagues, to stay here, you've got to have location, movement and then velocity, in that order. I'm more concerned with other things than what the scoreboard says. I read the bats. That's the important part."

[Sports Guy]

Jim Johnson

1) his velocity was very good last year.

2) increased velocity helps movement.

While I agree with what he is saying here, this is him covering up for something.

[Frobby]

1) his velocity was very good last year.

2) increased velocity helps movement.

While I agree with what he is saying here, this is him covering up for something.

Yeah, maybe. He was 93-96 consistently last year.

[Tony-OH]

1) his velocity was very good last year.

2) increased velocity helps movement.

While I agree with what he is saying here, this is him covering up for something.

Agreed. He had plenty of movement and command at 94-96 the last few years. He's not suddenly letting off for more movement. If he's 91-92, something is not right. Hopefully it'll come back of he better start throwing that changeup more and hope he can become Trevor Hoffman.