By Charlie O. Mallonee
The Oakland Athletics have addressed their need for a closer by acquiring Jim Johnson from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for infielder Jemile Weeks and a player to be named later.
The 6-6, 240 pound right-handed Johnson has saved a Major League leading 101 games over the past two seasons. In 2013, he was 3-8 with 50 saves in 59 appearances and a 2.94 ERA. It was nine blown saves in the second half of the 2013 season and the fact that Johnson is arbitration eligible that made him available on the trading block.
In 2012, Johnson posted a record of 2-1 with 51 saves in 54 opportunities and a 2.49 ERA for Baltimore. He was an All-Star selection and the AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
Johnson pitched parts of six seasons in Baltimore compiling a record of 18-26 with a 3.11 ERA. He recorded 122 saves in 150 save situations.
The acquisition of Johnson likely means the A’s will abandon their attempts to bring back Grant Balfour.
Jemile Weeks, a former first round draft pick in 2008, batted .271 with 19 doubles, 10 triples, four home runs, 40 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 130 games for Triple-A Sacramento in 2013. During the season, Weeks was used as an infielder and outfielder. He was a September call-up in 2013. Weeks hit .111 in eight games for Oakland.
A’s Come to Terms with Fernando Rodriguez
The Athletics have signed RHP Fernando Rodriguez to a one year contract for the 2014 season. Rodriguez was arbitration eligible.
Rodriguez was acquired by the A’s from Houston in the Jed Lowrie trade. He recorded a 10.13 ERA in four spring training appearances before going on the disabled list March 23 with a sprained right elbow. Rodriguez underwent successful ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) or “Tommy John” surgery.
Rodriguez has posted a career record of 4-13 with a 4.89 ERA in 119 relief appearances for the Angels and Houston.
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