- Full name Gary Johnson
- Born 10/29/1975 in Palo Alto, CA
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- Debut 04/26/2003
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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It's hard to get an accurate read on Johnson because he spent two years on a Mormon mission while at Brigham Young. While his 2000 season was impressive, as he contended for the California League triple crown before he was promoted, he was old for high Class A ball at 24. Cal League managers rated him the best batting prospect in the circuit, and he's definitely the best hitter in the system. He has power to all fields and reasonable discipline at the plate. He's an average baserunner, albeit not much of a stolen-base threat. Johnson is shaky in left field, especially on balls hit over his head, and must work hard to make his defense adequate. He handled Double-A, so he may be ready for Triple-A to start his second full pro season. When Tim Salmon's contract expires after the 2001 season, Johnson should be in the group that will get a shot at starting in the outfield or at DH for Anaheim in 2002.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Until his promotion to Double-A, Johnson was engaged in an intriguing triple crown battle with Juan Silvestre. Johnson’s swing was admired by several managers who previously had been taken by Tony Torcato’s smooth follow-through. At 24, Johnson was a bit old for a Cal League prospect, the result of spending two years on a Mormon mission. He showed power to both left and right field, though he‘s a project defensively. Johnson has difficulty on balls hit over his head.
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Los Angeles Angels in 2001
Scouting Reports
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Until his promotion to Double-A, Johnson was engaged in an intriguing triple crown battle with Juan Silvestre. Johnson’s swing was admired by several managers who previously had been taken by Tony Torcato’s smooth follow-through. At 24, Johnson was a bit old for a Cal League prospect, the result of spending two years on a Mormon mission. He showed power to both left and right field, though he‘s a project defensively. Johnson has difficulty on balls hit over his head.