Brian Roberts, Jim Johnson and Grant Balfour watch.

[Rene88]

Jim Johnson:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/04/01/al-saves-leader-jim-johnson-loses-debut/7147901/

1 blown save : 0 for 1

Tommy Hunter:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_03_31_bosmlb_balmlb_1&mode=box&partnerId=LR_box

1 save: 1 for 1

Balfour:

no action.

[Bahama O's Fan]

Well, I know opening day is going to determine my viewpoint on whole JJ trade, Balfour physical failure and Hunter's closer job. I need not to see any other games.

[333WCamden]

Johnson got the loss, but it wasn't a save situation.

He did get boo'd by the A's fans when he was pulled.

[Satyr3206]

I wouldn't have put him in a 0-0 tie in the 9th. I always think that's a lame time to use your closer. Especially the first appearance in front of the home fans. You want it to be an exciting thing.

I said the same thing when the O's were in the playoffs and got a ton of grief. But I agree with you and still stand by my belief that they are closers for a reason. Not holders, not extenders, closers. Let the bashing recommence.

[VeveJones007]

I said the same thing when the O's were in the playoffs and got a ton of grief. But I agree with you and still stand by my belief that they are closers for a reason. Not holders, not extenders, closers. Let the bashing recommence.

That was a tough situation, though. The O's had already used four pitchers and the Yankees had just used C.C. They needed a shorter game and in that situation, you don't want to leave one of your best bullpen bullets in the chamber.

[atomic]

IMO the debate about whether or not it's dumb to use designated closers can be totally separate from HOW you use your designated closer once you've made the decision to have one.

In this situation, with your entire bullpen ready to go, there's no real reason to burn a Jim Johnson inning in a 0-0 tie. Use him to close, not to stay tied.

Well you warm him up in case you get the lead in the top of the ninth. After warming him why would you not bring him in? Anyway who cares? Jim Johnson was horrible last year we are lucky he isn't on our team. At least A's fans know to boo the guy.

[MrOrange82]

I do not miss Jim Johnson at all. That is not necessarily an endorsement for Hunter as "closer."

[incubus]

A little off topic, but I ran into Tommy Hunter 15 minutes ago at Ace Hardware in Canton. I guess he lives in the area. I just congratulated him and wished him good luck.

[Rene88]

A little off topic, but I ran into Tommy Hunter 15 minutes ago at Ace Hardware in Canton. I guess he lives in the area. I just congratulated him and wished him good luck.

Wow-that is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[OFFNY]

.

So, Tommy Hunter is 1-for 1 so far in saves, Jimmy Johnson has one "L" ???

That's a good start for Danny-Boy.

[sfosfan]

I do not miss Jim Johnson at all. That is not necessarily an endorsement for Hunter as "closer."

Ditto. I'll even say that NOT signing JJ to $10MM a year is the best deal the O's made all season.

[Outlander]

He is the closer because he is suposed to be your bullpen ace used in high leverage. Once it goes to the ninth tied, there will be no save situation. Of course you use him there.

[Jurczak]

I wouldn't have put him in a 0-0 tie in the 9th. I always think that's a lame time to use your closer. Especially the first appearance in front of the home fans. You want it to be an exciting thing.

I was at the game. He was warmed up when the A's had bases loaded and one out. Melvin put him out there to start the inning because that's who was warmed up and ready to go at that point. And if Johnson is supposed to be your best reliever, than it's not a terrible idea to put him out in a high leverage situation. It just didn't work out.

Also, I don't understand all the hate towards Johnson. Every pitcher gives up runs and loses games. It's frustrating for sure, but Johnson over the past three years had sub 3 ERAs while pitching exclusively in high leverage situations. It's not easy to find a reliever that can do that year to year while facing both righties and lefties.

[isestrex]

Good thread. I hope we keep it updated all season long.

[john316]

Good thread. I hope we keep it updated all season long.

I agree...should be interesting.