Born: October 14, 1984
Blue Springs, MO
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Drafted: 1st round, 2006;
50th round, 2003 by LAA
How Acquired: Draft
College: Wichita State
High School: Blue Springs HS (MO)

Photo © Kelly O'Connor

Links
Twelve Questions with Kris Johnson
2009 Prospect Preview

Released (May 2011)

Scouting Report: Throws three pitches well: a 90-94 mph fastball, a mid-70s hard curveball, and a very good 83-84 mph 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. After a few decent starts in Pawtucket to open 2009, he endured a rough adjustment to Triple-A, leading to a demotion back to Portland, where he continued to struggle. Underwent TJ surgery in 2005, from which he returned to the mound faster than expected, but his curve still lacks the same bite.