Baltimore Sports Post

The Orioles are considering the future of Jim Johnson on their pitching staff.  He was brought through the majors as a started but finds himself entrenched as the O’s current setup man after his spectacular season in the pen.  The O’s options are to leave him as the setup man, move him back to starter, or transition him from setup man to closer.  There are other moves that may sway the O’s decision one way or the other like if they trade George Sherrill, the health of Chris Ray, and/or the status of our starting 5.  My preference would be for the O’s to trade Sherrill while the demand is high and move Johnson to closer and ease Ray or Matt Albers into the setup role.  Earlier in the year I was in favor of Johnson moving to take over one of the spots in the starting rotation, but the injuries to our bullpen changed my mind for this year.  I wouldn’t be against moving him to starter if Sherrill remains an Oriole.