Tyler Johnson

As a lefty specialist last season, Johnson improved on his 2006 performance in most aspects of his game. Unfortunately his strikeout rate, which has been a strength throughout his minor league career, dropped precipitously from 9.17 in 2006 to 5.68 last year. His shaky control improved to 3.79 BB/9 last year, which may not sound like much, but it's the best figure he's had since pitching in the Midwest League in 2002. He'll continue to act as a lefty specialist in 2008.

After being called up in May, Johnson retired the first 18 left-handed batters he faced. On the other hand, righties were hitting him well. Then lefties figured him out. He’ll compete for a role as a lefty specialist again in 2007, but unless he improves on 23 BB in 36.1 IP, he’s a long shot to make a significant contribution.

Johnson was taken in the Rule V draft by Oakland in 2005, but was returned after failing to make their roster. He has great stuff (77 K in 59 IP in Triple-A) and earned a September call-up to St. Louis, where he tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings. He'll be given a shot to fill a lefty role out of the bullpen in 2006.

Johnson could be a lefty specialist right now, having been converted to relief in Double-A. Any kind of good work at Memphis this year will get him to St. Louis. In the long term, he should have a Mike Stanton career out of the bullpen. Minimal fantasy value in 2004.

Johnson tore apart Low-A ball last season, going 15-3 with a 2.00 ERA and a 132/42 K/BB ratio in 121 1/3 innings. Moreover, Johnson, who will turn 22 in June, was cited as having the Midwest League's best breaking pitch. Johnson could begin 2003 in Double-A. If he were to pitch well there, he might even see St. Louis by September, though summer 2004 is a more realistic ETA for him.