Jim Johnson

We've been telling you for the last year that the Orioles clubhouse is pretty loose. Here was another example of that, courtesy of newcomer Russ Canzler's big day on Wednesday against a Team Spain club made up of minor leaguers and independent leaguers. Canzler, who is fighting for a reserve job as a first baseman-outfielder, didn't realize that his two-homer, six RBI performance Wednesday wouldn't count toward the spring stats until after he came out of the game and got some razzing from his teammates.

SARASOTA, Fla. - In an otherwise meaningless exhibition against an obviously undermanned Spain World Baseball Classic team, Orioles manager Buck Showalter accomplished something important Wednesday afternoon. He found work for relievers Jim Johnson , Darren O'Day and Luis Ayala - all of whom were key parts of the club's outstanding bullpen in 2012 and all of whom had not pitched in a game this spring. Showalter wants to keep their innings and workload down, but he also has to get them ready for April.

The World Baseball Classic has been the talk of the early days of spring training, partly because it's the reason for the elongated training schedule this year and partly because of the mixed feelings that a lot of teams have about it. It's supposed to be the World Cup of baseball - the answer to the decision by the IOC to remove baseball from the Olympics because Major League Baseball refused to interrupt its regular season once every four years...

How much is a good closer worth? Well, the Orioles believe $6.5 million. That's what Jim Johnson will receive for 2013 after notching a league-leading and franchise best 51 saves last year. Who knows if the 29-year-old Johnson will be able to repeat his tremendous performance this season? It certainly won't be easy. And there are a whole lot of people out there that think big money for a closer is a waste given the volatility of the position and the success achieved by non-closers when thrust into the role.

The Orioles avoided arbitration with one of their key pieces from 2012, agreeing to a one-year, $6.5 million deal with closer Jim Johnson on Friday, according to multiple sources. He can receive another $50,000 in performance bonuses related to games finished. The right-handed reliever, who has been with the Orioles for his entire career, made $2.625 million in 2012. Johnson, 29, had 51 saves in 54 chances to set the franchise's single-season saves record. He also led the major leagues in that category and posted a 2.49 ERA in 71 appearances.

Baltimore County Police Chief James W. Johnson added a much-needed voice of reason to the national debate over gun control last week when he appeared before Congress to testify in favor of universal background checks for gun purchases and a ban on assault rifles and large capacity ammunition magazines. It was only common sense, he told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee, to extend the reporting requirements for federally licensed firearms dealers to the private individuals who account for 40 percent of gun sales in this country.

When the Orioles open up spring training down in Sarasota two weeks from tomorrow, expect non-roster pitchers Mike Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez, who are among the organization's top pitching prospects, to be among those looking to make an impression in major league camp. With the World Baseball Classic pushing the beginning of spring training up a week, the Orioles likely limit some regulars, especially pitchers, when games begin on Feb. 23. That will give many of the Orioles' younger players an opportunity to make an impression during the opening days of the Grapefruit League season.

Orioles right-hander Jason Hammel, shelved twice in the second half of last season because of injuries to his right knee, said he has no restrictions on the joint after having a check-up with team doctors Friday. Hammel missed nearly eight weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his knee in mid-July, only to re-injure the joint in his second start since coming off the disabled list Sept. 11. The 30-year-old was able to return to start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees, but said then that rest would be the only way his knee would get healthy.

The Orioles and their three remaining arbitration-eligible players have officially filed salary numbers for 2013. Closer Jim Johnson, who led the majors in saves with 51, asked for $7.1 million while the Orioles countered with $5.7 million. He is in his third year of arbitration and made $2.625 million last year. Starter Jason Hammel, who was 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 20 starts for the Orioles last year, asked for $8.25 million and the Orioles countered with $5.7 million. He is in his fourth year of arbitration and made $4.75 million last year.

Orioles closer Jim Johnson wrestled with his decision to decline an invitation to play for Team USA in this spring's World Baseball Classic. The right-hander was honored to be considered, but believed being in Orioles spring training would best benefit his 2013 season. It's a difficult choice for many who have been invited to participate in the WBC. Orioles center fielder Adam Jones had always wanted to represent Team USA, so when he was invited to play, his decision was a little easier.