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Atlanta Braves Jim Johnson and Catchers

By Fred Owens

Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Phillies 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Phillies 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Braves, Jim Johnson and Catchers

The future of Jim Johnson continues to be the talk of the rumor mill but will the Braves trade him? They are looking for a catcher; is Brian McCann or Wilson Ramos the answer? Let’s start with Johnson.

JJ Reborn?

We’re now in the midst of the mysterious waiver trade period. As Alan explained in his post most teams run their entire roster through waivers in August but their names are not publicly released unless a trade is made.

Most people thought JJ would be traded at the non-waiver deadline with teams like the Giants and Mets tied to him but on August second he was still in the Braves bullpen.

The Braves traded Johnson at the deadline last year but that trade did not work out well for the Dodgers. In 23 appearances JJ threw only 18 2/3 innings but managed to give up 21 earned runs including three homers. That works out to a 10.13 ERA supported by a 2.036 WHIP.

He started this year poorly as well pitching to a 7.90 ERA in 13 2/3 innings over 15 appearances before going on the disabled list May ninth.  After three minor league rehab appearances when he threw three innings without allowing a run, he returned to Atlanta on June first.

Since coming back he’s been a different pitcher, with even better results than he was traded last season.  In 28 2/3 innings over 28 appearances he’s given up five runs including one home run which works out to a 1.57 ERA with 1.185 WHIP.

Those results fueled a rumor mill eager for something to chew on. Speculation continued that someone would claim JJ if and when the Braves out his name into the hopper and that may have already happened.

Yesterday Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reported that “One industry source told the Daily News that since Tuesday, the Mets have made two waiver claims, one for a reliever, but have not been able to complete the deals.”

While the Met’s were initially rumored to be interested in Chris Withrow, the Braves had little interest in trading him and as he’s now on the DL with an inflamed elbow no trade is likely to happen. Johnson on the other hand continues to put up sparkling numbers and would seem to fill the Mets needs.

Today during MLBTR’s weekly chat Steve Adams was asked if he thought Johnson would be on the move.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the reliever the Mets reportedly claimed last night — I don’t think he’ll make it through the month in Atlanta. Someone will want him and they don’t have much incentive to keep him. I was surprised he didn’t get moved last Monday."

So, will we wave goodbye to him via a waiver trade?

Next: The Price of The Braves Johnson

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