Kristofer Johnson

Kristofer Johnson (born October 14, 1984 in Blue Springs, MO), was selected by the Boston Red Sox with the 40th pick (Round 1s) of the 2006 Amateur Draft, out of Wichita State. The Red Sox signed Johnson to a signing bonus of $850,000 on June 7, 2006.

Contents 1 Scouting Report 2 Amateur Career 3 Minor League Career 4 Trivia 5 External Links

Scouting Report

• Throws three pitches well: a low 90s fastball, a mid-70s hard curveball, and a very good changeup. Uses his fastball and his change as out pitches. Average control, not a dominant strikeout pitcher. Smooth delivery with improving command. Really needs to work on consistency, especially when working out of jams. Solid groundball ratio hovering around 50%. Fares slightly better against lefties. Historically performs well in the first two innings, but over his career he has shown some fall-off come the third inning, potentially making him a candidate for the bullpen long-term. However, with improving game preparation in 2008, he demonstrated the ability to shut down a batting order several times through. He's also fared well against advanced hitting prospects. Underwent TJ surgery in 2005, from which he returned to the mound faster than average, but his curve still lacks the same bite. ~ SoxProspects.com

Amateur Career

Kris Johnson was drafted by the Red Sox with their Supplemental first round pick of the 2006 Amateur Draft. Rated by Baseball America as the 45th best prospect for the 2006 Draft. Went 10-0 during his first two years at Wichita State, until he tore his elbow ligament early in 2005. Returned in February 2006, finishing the season strongly.

Minor League Career

• 2006: Assigned to Lowell, where he was named by Baseball America as the 5th best prospect in the 2006 NY Penn league. Posted a 0.88 ERA with 27 Ks and 7 walks in 30.2 innings, allowing 25 hits.

• 2007: Spent the entire 2007 season with High-A Lancaster, where he went 9-7 with a 5.56 ERA and 100/57 strikeout to walk ratio, over 136 innings pitched during the regular season. Allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in 6 IP in his lone playoff start, a Lancaster victory.

• 2008: Assigned to Double-A Portland to begin the 2008 season.

Trivia

• Johnson was drafted out of high school, in the 50th Round of the 2003 draft by the Anaheim Angels, but instead chose to honor his commitment to Wichita State.

External Links

• Kristofer Johnson - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects

• SoSH Prospect Tracker Page