The notion that Jim Johnson should be stretched out into a starter's role is going to be trumped when the O's give him 2, 3 starts.

First of all, if the O's have any motivation to fight for every win they can get this season, then Johnson cannot come out of his role. The only consistent strength of this team has been the johnson-sherrill punch at the end of a game, and no one can step into johnson's role right now except for himself.

He was also brought up as a reliever for a reason. He's probably not going to be very good when exposed to lineups 2,3, times a game.

Good news on Adam Jones!

JPA and Dooley - I agree with you on making James Johnson a starter, but I don't think it's going to happen this year. I just think it would be easier and smarter(in light of the frequency of injuries to O's pitchers) to stretch him out again next spring. Your point about it being easier to find relief pitchers than starters is good, certainly not one lost on the O's brass.

A decision on JJ would hinge, I believe on whether George Sherrill stays. This is one reason why he is so valuable. His staying with the team as it's closer or setup man, would allow the team to move JJ into the rotation. It may be why they will only trade him if overwhelmed.

Glad to see Jones in CF tonight.

GO O's

Congrats to Luke Scott for being named player of the streak. Always like the longball threat, even if he's not a consistent RBI producer, and in any case, his profile's an serious upgrade from Sal Fasano's.

Has anyone in the organization ever thought it's worth giving Ramon H a few more starts a year at 1st or DH when his bat is coming out of the doldrums (as it did Saturday)? This would mean more playing time for Quiroz, more rest so that Ramon can convincingly fake a timely upper-body tag at home on the Polancos of the world, and less time at the plate for Mora and Millar when they're not esp productive? Let Fahey learn how to play emergency catcher if he wants to stick around?

What is the point of having Millar bat eighth? I'd rather have someone up from AAA batting eighth, getting some time in the majors...

I sure hope walker is Ok after his side session. Maybe we can pay some team to take him.Aubrey i pray you can stay hot at least another week so some team needing a hitter would be more willing to trade for you. Actually i think he is having a great year but you are 1 of a few trade chips that we have.

I was recently at a Bluefield game and saw the First baseman, Elvin Polanco. WOW...excellent hitter, big and very strong guy. He is hitting .358 in 120 at bats,43 hits,11 doubles, 7 HR, and 27 RBI. I know its Bluefield but Roch, what have you heard about this player??

Glad your staying Roch,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,now if Peter the Great would put a competitive team on the field and stop calling this joke rebuilding , baseball would be fun again,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,he has no intention of competing with the big boys , with his guaranteed sale price to MLB he could care less , wake up people..........

You can't beat Luke Scott's helmet bowling ball finale.He's such a huge addition to this team and worth Tejada alone. Johnson in the rotation is a horrible idea.The more exposure he gets the more familiar the hitters would get with him. Would rather see Bergeson or Hernandez get a shot.