Johnson retires Righthander Jonathon Johnson, who walked off the mound in frustration Wednesday while pitching at Class AAA New Orleans, told the Astros on Thursday that he was retiring from baseball Thursday. "We enjoyed having him in our organization," said Astros assistant general manager Tim Purpura, the director of player development. "He was a productive member of our Triple-A club and gave us some innings at the major-league level. He decided he had enough of the minor leagues." Three days after issuing a career-high eight walks and lasting three-plus innings while giving up three runs against the Red Sox, Johnson was designated for assignment on June 16. He accepted an assignment to New Orleans a few days later. Johnson, who will turn 29 on July 16, was 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in three starts and one relief appearance for the Astros.
Thats cold codell 29 years old and still floundering in the minor leagues is no fun. He didn't get many chances to perform at the major league level. Imagine the pressure he must have been under when he made that start in Boston.
I was just piling on. In all seriousness, I somewhat agree. To fight through the minors for 8-10 years, making a piddly salary, trying to support a family that you are away from constantly, make it to the majors only to blow what may be your only shot, has to suck. I know I couldn't do it. Makes players like Alan Zinter that much more impressive. Hopefully JJ has his college degree and can go on to do something productive with his life.
JJ played parts of 4 seasons with the Rangers and last year with the Padres. His career Major League totals (including this year with the Astros) were not good: 42 games, 4 games started, 2-4 record, 77.1 IP, 96 hits, 57 ER, 9 HR, 53 BB, 68 SO, 6.63 ERA His strikeout total is nice, but thats about it.
