We seriously need to consider another closer at this point

[Samatwing]

Thought it was just a slump. Obviously not. This wasn't a 1 run save....he gave up 4 runs. He is now responsible for 4 loses in the past 2 weeks. Cannot trust him right now.

[birdcrazy]

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.

[BobbyWoontz]

I think Buck has his 'win rule' and 'save rule' mixed up!

[Grt 2BA FL Gator]

Yeah, the beginning of this season is already way different than last year. I don't know who else you put in the closer spot, but Jim Johnson is not Jim Johnson right now. He had no offspeed tonight. None. Every time he tried it was a ball. When he's right, he usually has his change up and curve ball.

O'day would be the only guy I'd consider. Maybe Matusz.. But if you're worried about JJ melting down, I could easily see some failures getting in BMats head.

[MDK02]

He hasn't lose his stuff at all. What he has lost is his ability to get ahead and locate his pitches.

AKA he lost his stuff.

[Codypka]

We have no choice but to look elsewhere. Unacceptable

[ShaneDawg85]

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.

[webbrick2010]

I know Jim Johnson was really good last year... but he just has completely lost his stuff now. We can't keep on sending him out there to blow saves. This is so frustrating.

You think. I called for him to be traded in the off season when he could have gotten a starting pitcher.

Now they will have to carry him as dead weight all season, and DFA him next year

From 8 million in salary to trying to find a spot on a ML roster next year

[JustMyOpinion]

Against arguably their worst offensive player. WOW.

I personally do not trust O'day as a closer, or Hunter, or Matusz. Who's left?

[barnanimal]

Pitching aside, I'm more concerned how demoralizing these losses are to the offensive production. At some point guys are going to start pressing and lose faith. I think that's when the prolonged losing streaks happen.

[WEAVERMAN]

Johnson should have been replaced by O'Day in the 9th. It's that simple.

[oriolesmagic9]

O'Day for closer. Problem is we might not have a setup man especially if Hunter hurt his hand.

Hendrickson could be part of that mix, although I think JJ could setup for O'Day.

[Pushmonkey]

Pathetic loser is our closer right now. Unacceptable. Loser.

[eddie83]

You think. I called for him to be traded in the off season when he could have gotten a starting pitcher.

Now they will have to carry him as dead weight all season, and DFA him next year

From 8 million in salary to trying to find a spot on a ML roster next year

Please, DFA. Don't think so.

[Ball Legend]

Suddenly he's become another JJ...Jorge Julio. No lead is safe. It's gotta be completely deflating to the ballclub. I wonder when Buck decides to make a move. Johnson seems like a broken player right now.