CAREER NOTES: 2004: Johnson was selected by the Oakland A's in Rule-5 draft but was returned in spring training. Posted a 2.04 ERA over the final three months of the season after he spent some time on the disabled list because of shoulder soreness. Overall, he had a 4.79 ERA in 53 appearances for Double-A Tennessee. In 56-1/3 innings, he struck out 77 and walked 37...2003: Had a 3.08 ERA in 22 appearances, including 10 starts, and struck out 81 in 79 innings for High-A Palm Beach before being promoted to Double-A Tennessee, where he had a 1.65 ERA and struck out 39 in 27-1/3 innings, strictly out of the bullpen...2002: Posted a 15-3 record and a 2.00 ERA for Low-A Peoria in 22 appearances, 18 as a starter. In 121-1/3 innings, he struck out 132 and walked 42...2001: Had a 2.63 ERA in nine starts for Johnson City. In 41 innings he allowed 26 hits and he had a 58/21 K/BB ratio. He was then promoted to Peoria, where he posted a 3.86 ERA in three starts.

SCOUTING REPORT: Johnson thrives with a sharp-breaking curve, which grades as a plus-plus pitch. He sets the curve up with his 88-91 mph fastball, and rarely uses his mediocre changeup as a reliever. He needs to do a better job with his conditioning. -- Baseball America