Jim Johnson loses closer role

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After blowing his major-league leading eighth save over the weekend, Jim Johnson has been reassigned to a new role.

Manager Brian Snitker has been quick to defend Johnson in the past, but enough was enough. Johnson has been painful to watch as of late and quite frankly has no business closing games. In fact, Johnson’s closing days probably should have been over years ago.

The Braves may very well sell Johnson before today’s trade deadline, but interest could be limited given his recent performance. However, he could become a serious buy-low option for a contender in need of a middle relief arm.

Johnson can still be a productive member of the bullpen, but closing games are out of his realm at this point. Johnson needs a lower pressure role. He has had some serious peaks and valleys in his career and is simply too volatile an option to be closing games.

Brian Snitker has not committed to a new closer as of yet, but it is likely to be Arodys Vizcaino. Rex Brothers could be a dark horse to take the job as well, given his closing experience with Colorado. Brothers could end up being a nice find, given the team controls him until 2020 and has no good lefty options currently.

When Arodys was closing games for the Braves, he was at his best. He was confident in his role and knew he was the man. He is also a future asset for this team. Brian Snitker is making the right decision with a changing of the guard in the ninth inning.

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