LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2004 South Top Prospect Showcase
Branon Johnson is a 2005 RHP/3B/C from Sachse, TX. Johnson is very similar to another top Waco prospect, Evan Bigley, in that his tools play very well both as a player and as a pitcher. We’re stronger behind Johnson as a position player right now, and think he might be better served by just concentrating on playing. On the mound, Johnson throws from a complex side step delivery and uses his quick arm to generate an 87-90 mph fastball with some cutting action. He didn’t show much feel for a curveball or change up during two separate outings. A couple of things jumped out about Johnson as a player. He is relatively new to switch hitting, but showed us an excellent swing from the left side. It’s tension free and effortless with very good bat speed. Johnson develops similar bat speed from the right side, but it’s more of an effort swing. Overall, Johnson took the best batting practice at the showcase, really centering the ball well and showing his power potential. Defensively, Johnson lists catching as his third position, but the thought of having a switch-hitting catcher with power and plus arm makes Johnson a potential excellent pro prospect right now rather than "just" an excellent Division I college prospect. He’s raw in his receiving skills due to lack of repetitions, but all the tools are there. As a third baseman, Johnson’s defensive skills are very solid and play at the highest levels including pro ball. He's a big time prospect!