Jim Johnson, a former Baltimore Orioles closing pitcher,  was  signed by the Oakland A’s over the postseason of last year but to many people’s surprise Johnson’s appearances were  disappointing.

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Johnson steps off the mound for the Orioles in 2012. Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Johnson’s ten million price tag had everyone excited in the A’s organization. Considering Johnson had 50 saves in the past two years with the O’s, high expectations have been placed on him.

Previously serving eight years under the Orioles, Johnson was their go-to closer. Knowing that Johnson pitched 360 games for the Orioles, there is no doubt Johnson is an experienced pitcher.

Junior Sierra Clary elaborates her opinion about closing pitcher Jim Johnson.

“Although he makes more than the average pitcher, he seems to have to more ups than downs the past season,” said Clary. “I think his run is coming to an end if he continues to pitch the way he does.”

For the past four years he lead the American League in saves every year,  while also keeping his earned run average (ERA) to a minimum of 3. Having that under his belt, Johnson could be the next Cy Young.

Freshman Connor Miller, a big Orioles fan, is not impressed with the star pitcher, Jim Johnson.

“He’s definitely worth what he was traded for, but he’s not the best in the league,” said Miller.

After his trade to the Oakland organization Johnson’s career took a turn for the worst,  beginning this 2014 season only pitching six games. Over the two games pitched, he held a 18.90 ERA and a .529 opponents batting average, probably the worst stats all around the league at the time.

He walked six players and gave up seven runs out of the 32 batters he faced. After the six games pitched he obtained a 11.81 ERA, which is still terrible but it could be worse.

History teacher Deb Dominick feels pity for the newly traded Johnson.

“I dont know if it’s the new team atmosphere or just him having an off day,” said Dominick. “But if he doesn’t straighten up his act, he won’t have a shot anywhere.”

Oakland shortly removed Johnson from their lineup and said he would no longer pitch in save situations, given that he blew two already.

Johnson’s career has plummeted into a pit of failure. Going from a star pitcher of the Orioles to being thrown out of the starting lineup for the Oakland A’s.