BLAIR JOHNSON

3/25/84; '02 2nd; Topeka, KS (HS)
R/R; 6-4, 200

Level	W-L-Sv	G	GS	IP	H	BB	K	ERA
2002 R	0-1-0	2	1	3.1	4	3	4	8.10
2003 A	1-1-0	2	2	10.1	11	3	7	8.71
2003 R	4-1-0	9	9	47.0	32	11	42	1.34
2004 A	1-4-0	9	8	43.2	59	14	22	7.83
2004 A-	6-1-0	14	14	88.2	62	12	40	2.44

Level	W-L-Sv	G	GS	IP	H	BB	K	ERA	OAVG	OOBP	OSLG
2005 A	1-0-0	3	3	15.2	17	7	6	4.02	.293	.379	.448

After a very promising start, Johnson's career has hit a series of snags. He was the Pirates' 2nd round pick in 2002, after fanning 80 in 46 IP with an ERA of 0.76 in his last year in HS. He didn't pitch much after signing due to a sore shoulder. In 2003, however, he had an outstanding season, leading the GCL in ERA and posting good peripheral #s, while being named the league's 6th best prospect. He threw in the mid-90s when drafted, but the Pirates thought him to be more effective throwing around 90-92, as they believed his fastball had plenty of life and his command of it was outstanding. He reportedly also threw a good curve and change, and was very effective at working inside. Unfortunately, Johnson had the same experience in 2004 as Matt Capps. He started at Hickory and got hammered in nearly every outing, with his K rate dropping sharply. The Pirates sent him back to extended spring training and then to Williamsport when its season started. He did much better there, allowing very few baserunners, but his K rate remained very low. The Pirates returned him to Hickory for the season's last game and he had a good outing. He started 2005 back at Hickory and, after a few games, had shoulder surgery. He's expected to be back in the spring.

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