O's sign Ayala, Johnson

[love_that_reefer]

The Orioles have signed a couple of former Yankees, one being Luis Ayala on a Major League deal and Nick Johnson on a minor league deal. Ayala had a decent 2011 season sporting a 2.09 ERA in 52 games. His BB/K ratio wasn't that sexy and he allowed 12 of 36 inherited runners to score. The righty did better against lefties last season which is encouraging. Johnson hit .201 with a .654 OPS in 55 games for the Indians minor league system.

[Luis Ayala]

I'M BACK, BABY! I'm back! Hello Baltimore!

[love_that_reefer]

Nick Johnson reached in three straight plate appearances Sunday, going 2-for-2 with a walk.
Johnson doesn't have a homer yet, but he does have three doubles to go along with his .348 average in 23 at-bats. That neither Wilson Betemit nor Chris Davis has been particularly impressive this spring should further Johnson's case for a bench spot.

Looks like Johnson could be back in the Majors before long. I always liked Johnson but the man simply couldn't stay healthy.