Blue Jays Get Pitching Help
Help is on the way!
A day after announcing Lou Ionnatti as assistant hitting coach, the Toronto Blue Jays now have another new face. Graham Johnson has been hired as the team's new bullpen coach.
Johnson joins the Blue Jays after spending the past three seasons as the pitching coach for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Prior to that, he worked in Double A for the Houston Astros.
Before his work in the minor leagues, Johnson spent nearly a decade working with and instructing pitchers at the collegiate level. This role will be Johnson's first in the major leagues.
Johnson serves as a replacement for Jeff Ware, who after two seasons in the bullpen, is being reassigned elsewhere within the organization. Pitching assistant David Howell also won't be back as is he said to be evaluating different roles and offers, including a office position with the Jays.
The bullpen was a clear area of weakness for the Blue Jays last, so it is no surprise that the team has opted for a makeover of their pitching department, which is still anchored by long-time Blue Jays stalwart, Pete Walker. Walker will be entering his 13th season as pitching coach for the team.
Johnson will certainly have his work cut out for him this season. After cutting ties with Genesis Cabrera, and fan-favourite and long-time closer Jordan Romano (who could still return to the club on a lower-paid still), the Blue Jays will be looking for several new arms in their bullpen.
Johnson's past seems to indicate a good track record, but still, nothing can fully prepare you for coaching in the majors, even if you've had success in the minors. The firing of Jeff Ware is evidence of that. Still though, the hiring of Johnson is a step in the right direction for a bullpen - and a club - looking to get back on its feet.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 4 | 67 ANSWERS Blue Jays Get Pitching Help Is Johnson a good hire for the Jays? | ||
| yes | 42 | 62.7 % |
| no | 25 | 37.3 % |
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