Nick Johnson
New York Yankees
Position: 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Born: 9/19/78 Bats: Left Throws: Left
| Year |
Team |
Level |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
K |
SB |
CS |
BA |
OBP |
SLG |
| 1999 |
Norwich |
AA |
132 |
420 |
114 |
145 |
33 |
5 |
14 |
87 |
123 |
88 |
8 |
6 |
.345 |
.525 |
.548 |
| 2001 |
Columbus |
AAA |
110 |
359 |
68 |
92 |
20 |
0 |
18 |
49 |
81 |
105 |
9 |
2 |
.256 |
.407 |
.462 |
| 2001 |
New York |
AL |
23 |
67 |
6 |
13 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
8 |
7 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
.194 |
.308 |
.313 |
* Did not play the entire 2000 season because of a wrist injury
Background
Johnson was a third-round draft choice back in 1996, out of high school in Sacramento. He is an on-base machine; he never swings at a bad offering, and has developed more power as he's matured. His 1999 season at Double-A Norwich was one for the record books; you can't beat an on-base percentage over .500, combined with good power. He missed the entire 2000 campaign with a mysterious wrist injury, however, and it took some time for him to shake off the rust in '01. He should open 2002 in the Yankees lineup, serving as the DH and occasionally spelling Jason Giambi at first.
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The Rookies
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Throughout spring training, John Sickels will provide in-depth reports on 10 of the hottest rookies to watch. Here's the complete schedule:
Feb. 26: Josh Beckett, Marlins
March 2: Carlos Pena, A's
March 5: Nick Johnson, Yankees
March 8: Sean Burroughs, Padres
March 12: Juan Cruz, Cubs
March 15: Mike Cuddyer, Twins
March 19: Morgan Ensberg, Astros
March 22: Kurt Ainsworth, Giants
March 26: Hank Blalock, Rangers
March 29: Jon Rauch, White Sox
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Scouting report
Johnson has a pure swing, though he's added a bit of loft to it over the last year. He has no particular weakness against fastballs or breaking pitches. His main focus is on controlling the strike zone; he is incredibly patient. He can be a tad too passive at times, but it is not a major problem, and he turns on pitches well. Johnson is a fine athlete, mobile for his size, and is sound with the glove at first base. He has quick feet, is reliable, and attentive in the infield. Scouts like his work ethic and professional approach.
Performance
Well, as I wrote above, you can't fault an OBP over .500. Johnson didn't match that last year, of course, but he was rusty, and no one can be expected to post numbers like that on anything approaching a frequent basis. His batting average also dipped last year, but no one seems particularly worried about it. Johnson's 2001 MLE, at age 22, shows him as a .230-.240 hitter, with double-digit home run power and a ton of walks. His '99 MLE, produced at age 20, shows him as a .310-.320 hitter with double-digit homers and a bushel of walks. Splitting the difference seems reasonable.
Health record
Here is the main worry. Johnson's 2000 season was lost due to a wrist injury that was never adequately diagnosed. It doesn't seem to be a problem now, but you have to wonder if it will recur, or portends a vulnerability to further wrist problems. His proclivity for getting hit by pitches (37 in '99, 18 between Columbus and New York last year) helps boost his OBP, but also increases the risk of getting hurt.
What to expect
On the one hand, playing for the Yankees is a high-pressure environment. On the other hand, the team has enough depth in the lineup that it doesn't have to rely on one particular rookie to carry things; Johnson won't be asked to hit cleanup. He'll be in the Rookie of the Year race, no doubt. He seems a safe bet to hit .275-.285, with an on-base percentage near .400 and 15-20 home runs. If Johnson shows normal development, he'll rank among the best first basemen in the league within three years.
John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.
