We seriously need to consider another closer at this point

[Ripken]

Save rule.

So he'd rather lose than let someone else get a save?

[Emory Eagle]

You can't be an effective pitcher in the Major Leagues, let alone a closer, if you can't throw any offspeed pitches in the strike zone. Absolutely pathetic. A splitter, changeup, even maybe a curveball there and the O's would be winners today. Just horrendously bad.

I can't believe this bothers me as much as it does but damn is it frustrating.

[Tx Oriole]

WTF is Buck doing? JJ is clearly off and he just stays in for 40 pitches with Patton in the pen. We've completely lost the strength of this team. The Orioles are in huge trouble...

Don't overreact. I don't see the O's being in huge trouble. Frustrating it is for

sure. But I am sure Buck will need to do what needs to be done. IMO

[eddie83]

If O'day was available then why didn't he pitch the 8th. Buck pushed Hunter for a reason.

[Flacco Machado]

The worst part of all this is that we could be 31-19 right now instead of 27-23. That's what Johnson has cost us. Honestly, Buck has to consider flip-flopping the roles of O'Day and Johnson. Jim Johnson has got to find his curveball or this is going to continue.

[Samatwing]

How much of a lead do we need to feel comfortable in the 9th? 5...6? I had a nervous feeling about 3, and they only had 2 runs to that point!

[allquixotic]

Johnson is awful right now, no two ways around it. The problem though is that first off, just like Strop you can't not pitch him. Second, yes, the offense gave him three runs, but they had chances over and over again for more, and they couldn't do it. You cannot leave that many guys on base, period.

So we have to score 4 more runs than the opposing team heading into the last half-inning of every game in order to have a chance to win? Is that how it is now?

Who the **** came up with such an idiotic idea anyway? Huh? It doesn't even make any gd **** sense. If you have three runs or fewer over the opposing team you AUTOMATICALLY, UNTHINKINGLY bring in a certain pitcher; and if you have four or more, --ping!-- a lightbulb comes on and by some magic you're allowed to bring in some other pitcher? That "rule" (more like tradition) is total nonsense. It needs to stop. NOW. Instead of automatically bringing in such-and-such, base it on whoever is doing the best pitching at the present time, and who isn't overworked, and who plays the best matchups against the batters they're about to face. You'd think this would be common sense, but apparently, baseball managers are robots that base it on the number of runs that you're ahead. Total, complete, utter nonsense.

[JustMyOpinion]

The Rays fans, feel your pain.

Sometimes you have to know when you have a one year wonder.

[webbrick2010]

For everyone who claims a good closer is not important, and that anyone can do it...this is proof that is bs. Last year he was bulletproof. Now he has cost them 4 wins in about a week. Not only do the losses add up, they hurt morale really bad. Losing a game when you go in the 9th with a 3 run lead is a disaster. While I am not sure we have anyone who is a better closer anywhere (O'day maybe?). Johnson is singlehandedly sinking a team with great offense right now.

Almost anyone can do it. Look around the majors. Jason Grilli?? Jim Johnson cannot do it. He is horrible. Do you know how bad you have to be to give up 4 runs before you get 3 outs?? And he has done that twice in a week. Gone from a nice trade piece to a useless player that we will have to carry on the roster until he released in the offseason

[AlbionHero]

So he'd rather lose than let someone else get a save?

Thats what it seems like. Remember a week ago when we faced 3 straight lefties against Yanks but he put in Jim Johnson instead of Matusz? Any other inning you get Matusz in there, but he prioritized getting Jim Johnson an individual stat. Thats the problem with the save rule.

[Barnaby Graves]

So he'd rather lose than let someone else get a save?

That's probably not how it works in his mind but that is how it plays out.

[BobbyWoontz]

So we have to score 4 more runs than the opposing team heading into the last half-inning of every game in order to have a chance to win? Is that how it is now?

Who the **** came up with such an idiotic idea anyway? Huh? It doesn't even make any gd **** sense. If you have three runs or fewer over the opposing team you AUTOMATICALLY, UNTHINKINGLY bring in a certain pitcher; and if you have four or more, --ping!-- a lightbulb comes on and by some magic you're allowed to bring in some other pitcher? That "rule" (more like tradition) is total nonsense. It needs to stop. NOW. Instead of automatically bringing in such-and-such, base it on whoever is doing the best pitching at the present time, and who isn't overworked, and who plays the best matchups against the batters they're about to face. You'd think this would be common sense, but apparently, baseball managers are robots that base it on the number of runs that you're ahead. Total, complete, utter nonsense.

Well said.

[Codypka]

anyone else think maybe Hunter could close? assuming he didn't hurt his hand that is

[SeaBird]

The bullpen is not longer a strength. It's becoming a weakness.

Let's see what words of wisdom Buck has after this one.

He'll tip his hat to the other guys.

[WEAVERMAN]

The worst part of all this is that we could be 30-19 right now instead of 27-23. That's what Johnson has cost us. Honestly, Buck has to consider flip-flopping the roles of O'Day and Johnson. Jim Johnson has got to find his curveball or this is going to continue.

Johnson should mop up until further notice, DOD to close, Matusz and TH to set up.