LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2003 National Showcase
Johnson came into the PG National Showcase as one of the most highly touted prep pitchers in the country. However, we suspect that he may have taken a few weeks off between the end of his high school season and the mid-June event. We’ve seen Johnson before in his more customary 91-93 mph range with a sharp 80 mph slider, but in Lincoln he was mostly 88 mph, touching 90 but losing velocity quickly. One thing we like about Johnson’s fastball in Lincoln was that he showed nice sinking action and would occasionally get some late cut to it. When he carries this kind of movement up to 93 mph, he’s very difficult to hit. Another thing that highlight’s Johnson’s overall package is that he’s a very good athlete with a strong, but projectable MLB pitchers body. He swings the bat very well, with a short wristy swing, and generates power with wood. He’s also an above average fielding pitcher with quick, sure actions on the mound. He could end up being a very high pick next June. If not he will go to a national power DI school. Blake is a very good student.