Orioles showing interest in bringing back reliever Jim Johnson

By Bill BaerAug 2, 2014, 5:35 PM EST
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MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports that the Orioles are showing “definite interest” in a reunion with current free agent reliever Jim Johnson. Kubatko says it would be a surprise if the Orioles don’t get a deal done with the right-hander.

Johnson was acquired by the Athletics in a trade with the Orioles last December. His time in Oakland did not go well, as he was given a $10 million salary to avoid arbitration but posted a 7.14 ERA with a 28/23 K/BB ratio in 40 1/3 innings.

As the Orioles’ closer in 2012 and ’13, Johnson led the league in saves with 51 and 50, respectively.

Report: Orioles to name Brandon Hyde new manager

Jason Miller/Getty Images
By Bill BaerDec 11, 2018, 8:08 PM EST
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Update (8:23 PM ET): MASN’s Roch Kubatko talked to new GM Mike Elias, who said there has been no offer made to Hyde for the position. Elias called the report “premature.”

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The Orioles are expected to name Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde as the new manager, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Nothing is official yet.

Hyde, 45, spent four seasons in the minors with the White Sox from 1997-2000, then played in the independent Western League in 2001 before calling it quits. He was a coach with the Marlins from 2010-12 and has been with the Cubs since 2013.

Other candidates for the Orioles’ open managerial position have included Pedro Grifol, Chip Hale, Mike Redmond, Mike Bell, and Manny Acta.

Hyde is taking over for Buck Showalter, who was at the helm of the Orioles from 2010-18. Last season, however, the Orioles finished 47-115, the worst record in team history. Hyde will be taking over a team that is rebuilding, so the expectations will be relatively low in his first couple of seasons.