Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Blue Jays made a big move in the offseason with their trade for most of the Miami Marlins’ roster. It may not have been the whole roster, but a big part of the deal was getting Josh Johnson. It hasn’t been the best start for Johnson with his new team with a 0-1 record and 6.91 ERA after three starts. I’m sure that is not what the team was expecting when they made the trade.
Johnson did pitch much better during his last start on Tuesday night, giving up just two runs over seven innings while striking out eight. The Blue Jays have lost all three of Johnson’s starts to begin the year, however, as the team in general has struggled. Toronto was just 6-8 heading into Wednesday’s play, but I would expect that Johnson will continue to be more like the pitcher he was Tuesday. The talent level has always been there for him, and injuries have been the only thing slowing Johnson down.
I will take a pitcher any day who has had seasons with ERAs of 2.30 and 1.61 which he had in 2010 and 2011 respectively for the Marlins. Toronto has had trouble dealing with the high expectations that are on them this season, but with a pitcher like Johnson at the top of the rotation, change is coming. The Blue Jays are going to find a way to win the American League East by the end of the year, and Johnson will lead the way to that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he rebounds and finishes with at least 15 wins.
Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.
