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TT: Showalter should be leery on how he uses Johnson

Tony-OH

By Tony-OH
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Tony-OH Hangout Grand Counsel

Tony-OH

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There's a lot that goes into these decisions. I think Buck's decision to use JJ was defensible, because even though he was pitching for three days in a row, he hadn't pitched for five days before that. On the other hand, he had struggled a bit the two previous nights, throwing 23 pitches in each outing, which is much higher than normal for him. If you look at the other two times he threw three days in a row:

April 22-24: 13 and 14 pitches the two previous days.

June 9-11: 9 and 9 pitches the two previous days.

For me, this was a borderline call. I can see the argument for going with Hunter (not O'Day, who is scuffling a bit right now) there. But I'm not going to fault Buck too much for going with a guy who had reeled off 12 saves in a row and allowed 1 run in 14 appearances.

Remember though, besides the number of pitches, he has to warm up as well so you have to count those pitches as well. The numbers speak for themselves. Without a day of rest, he struggles. When he pitches in three straight days, he's been terrible on that third day.

All closer are going to blow games and have bad outings, and I really don't have a problem with using a closer in closing situations. In fact, in most cases, Johnson should be the guy, but I think Buck was really bucking (yes pun intended) the odds when he used Johnson for a 3rd day in a row to protect a one-run lead.

It is amazing though how good Johnson is when used regularly on one day rest. I realize it's hard to use him this way because save situation don't always presents themselves at the most opportune time, but with as good as Hunter is throwing this year, I'd be more apt to use him to protect one-run leads if Johnson has pitched the last two days.

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Redskins Rick Hangout Grand Counsel

Redskins Rick

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Remember though, besides the number of pitches, he has to warm up as well so you have to count those pitches as well. The numbers speak for themselves. Without a day of rest, he struggles. When he pitches in three straight days, he's been terrible on that third day.

All closer are going to blow games and have bad outings, and I really don't have a problem with using a closer in closing situations. In fact, in most cases, Johnson should be the guy, but I think Buck was really bucking (yes pun intended) the odds when he used Johnson for a 3rd day in a row to protect a one-run lead.

It is amazing though how good Johnson is when used regularly on one day rest. I realize it's hard to use him this way because save situation don't always presents themselves at the most opportune time, but with as good as Hunter is throwing this year, I'd be more apt to use him to protect one-run leads if Johnson has pitched the last two days.

I seam to remember Earl begging Tippy to just go out and have a 1-2-3 for a change and give his ulcer a break. :)

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Ommaculate Perennial All-Star

Ommaculate

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I remember Gregg Olson when he was the closer, and they didnt keep blown save records then, but the year he saved 37, he also lost 5 games. The year before that, he saved 31 and lost 6.

It happens.

The problem is we are not even half way through the season. If this pace keeps up Johnson will have over 10 losses.

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olehippi Veteran All-Star

olehippi

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As stated by many, the simple fact is that Johnson is only effective when his sinking fastball is working and pitches are low in the strike zone. Johnson quickly and clearly signals when that isn't going to be the case, like he did on Tuesday night, and again last night. Showalter has to be more cognizant of this, especially if he is going to pitch him on 3 consecutive days. The fact that he was wildly ineffective, and perhaps lucky, on Tuesday should have sent a message.

IMO, we need someone to share the load as closer, or Buck has to have a much shorter leash on Johnson when its obvious he doesn't have his control or his sinker. It seems like such a simple solution.

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Redskins Rick Hangout Grand Counsel

Redskins Rick

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As stated by many, the simple fact is that Johnson is only effective when his sinking fastball is working and pitches are low in the strike zone. Johnson quickly and clearly signals when that isn't going to be the case, like he did on Tuesday night, and again last night. Showalter has to be more cognizant of this, especially if he is going to pitch him on 3 consecutive days. The fact that he was wildly ineffective, and perhaps lucky, on Tuesday should have sent a message.

IMO, we need someone to share the load as closer, or Buck has to have a much shorter leash on Johnson when its obvious he doesn't have his control or his sinker. It seems like such a simple solution.

I watched that game Tuesday night, and that strike zone was moving, pitches right at the knee was being called balls, so you have to elevate the pitch and it makes it more hittable.

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Can_of_corn Hangout Grand Counsel

Can_of_corn

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Is it normal of a closer to have 6 losses in June? If this pace keeps up it will be over 10 losses.

Huh?

You said that it might be the best time to trade JJ and I asked if you thought now was a better time then last offseason. (When I wanted to trade him)

WTH does that have to do with him having six losses?

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Can_of_corn Hangout Grand Counsel

Can_of_corn

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I watched that game Tuesday night, and that strike zone was moving, pitches right at the knee was being called balls, so you have to elevate the pitch and it makes it more hittable.

Then wouldn't it make sense to bring in Hunter, who doesn't have to work in the bottom part of the zone to be effective, instead of Johnson?

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Redskins Rick Hangout Grand Counsel

Redskins Rick

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Then wouldn't it make sense to bring in Hunter, who doesn't have to work in the bottom part of the zone to be effective, instead of Johnson?

I disagree, I think the tandem of Hunter to Johnson, works very well, and is their best approach. He has 27 saves and 2 wins.

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Can_of_corn Hangout Grand Counsel

Can_of_corn

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I disagree, I think the tandem of Hunter to Johnson, works very well, and is their best approach. He has 27 saves and 2 wins.

You were saying that the Umps were not calling the low strike correct?

Then why bring in a pitcher that needs to pitch there?

The manager should be cognizant of the strike zones of the various umpires.

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Redskins Rick Hangout Grand Counsel

Redskins Rick

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You were saying that the Umps were not calling the low strike correct?

Then why bring in a pitcher that needs to pitch there?

The manager should be cognizant of the strike zones of the various umpires.

I dont get all the gloom and doom.

The man saved 51 out of 54 games last year.

He has 27 and its not the all-star break even.

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