Rob Johnson

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #13 prospect in 2009
  The system's best defensive catcher, Johnson finally received a shot as Tacoma's full-time catcher after catching just 143 games in two years as he split the job with Guillermo Quiroz (2006) and Jeff Clement (2007). He responded with his finest offensive season and by throwing out 37 percent of basestealers, the fourth-best figure in the Pacific Coast League. Johnson caught fire in the second half, batting .363/.401/.489 in 135 at-bats. His offense improved when he stopped offering at so many pitches outside the strike zone, and his .363 on-base percentage established a career high. He has solid raw power, but he's better suited by driving the ball into the gaps rather than seeking to hit home runs. His defense, though, is his ticket to the big leagues. Johnson is a solid receiver with a quick, short release on throws to second base. He's a strong game-caller, though he'll have to improve his blocking after leading the PCL with 21 passed balls. An outfielder in college, Johnson played 10 games there for Tacoma in 2008. He has more athleticism and speed than most catchers. With Clement and Adam Moore sandwiching him in the system, Johnson faces an uphill climb to a regular role in Seattle. But because he's so solid defensively and has the versatility to fill in as an outfielder, he could fit nicely as a backup.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #17 prospect in 2008
  Johnson rated as the best defensive catcher in the Midwest League in 2005, his full-season debut, and reached high Class A later that year. He hasn't served as a full-time catcher since then, as he's had to share playing time at Triple-A Tacoma with Guillermo Quiroz in 2006 (catching 74 games) and Jeff Clement in 2007 (69 games). The Mariners felt comfortable rushing him because of his plus leadership qualities and strong arm--though he threw out just 24 percent of basestealers in 2007. An outfielder in junior college, Johnson runs very well for a catcher but is an inconsistent receiver. As a hitter, he's struggled with advanced breaking balls and has batted just .252/.301/.348 through 209 Triple-A games. He has good hand-eye coordination and raw power, but could add more pop with increased loft in his swing and a better plan at the plate. Johnson is the best defensive catcher the Mariners have on the farm, but with Kenji Johjima and Clement ahead of him on the depth chart, he'll have to bide his time in Tacoma. He profiles as a backup catcher in the big leagues but could start if his bat comes along.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #15 prospect in 2007
  In 2005, his first full pro season, Johnson rated as the best defensive catcher in the low Class A Midwest League, reached high Class A and finished by playing for Team USA in the World Cup. With Kenji Johjima signed through 2008, the Mariners have no glaring need for a catcher. Yet they promoted Johnson all the way to Triple-A and compounded that decision by having him share time with Guillermo Quiroz and eventually Jeff Clement. As a result, Johnson caught just 74 games at a level at which he wasn't ready for offensively. His plate discipline eroded and his swing looked long. He has good raw power but has hit just 16 homers in 221 pro games. To produce more pop, he needs to add some loft to his swing, maintain his strength better over the course of a season and do a better job of waiting for pitches he can punish. Johnson is more athletic and runs better than most catchers. Throw in his arm strength, which enabled him to throw out 45 percent of basestealers in 2006, and he should be able to at least fill in at both infield and outfield corners. Though Johnson is the best defensive catcher in the system, his receiving can leave a lot to be desired. Despite his lack of playing time, he tied for the Pacific Coast League lead with 11 passed balls. Seattle plans on sending him back to Triple-A. With Johjima and Clement ahead of him on the depth chart, Johnson's best shot at having a role with Seattle is as a catcher/utilityman.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #10 prospect in 2006
  He doesn't get as much attention as Jeff Clement and Kenji Johjima, but Johnson is a fine catching prospect in his own right. Managers rated him the best defensive catcher in the Midwest League in 2005, his first full pro season. He was the starting backstop for the Team USA at the World Cup, where he hit .273. Johnson makes consistent contact at the plate, drilling line drives to both gaps. He's a quality receiver with a strong arm, and he threw out 37 percent of basestealers last year. He's a better athlete than Clement or Johjima and runs the bases well for a catcher. His leadership skills are strong as well. Johnson has the frame and strength to hit homers, but never has shown the pop scouts expected. His power is more evident in batting practice than during games. He can get impatient at the plate, and it's not a sure thing that he'll have enough bat to be a quality regular. Johnson probably will open 2006 in Double-A, but Clement could be pushing for regular time there by midseason.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #27 prospect in 2005
  After leading Saddleback to a second-place finish in the 2003 California Community College playoffs, Johnson had options. The Phillies drafted him in the 18th round and offered him $275,000 to sign, and several top college programs wanted him as well. Johnson decided to attend Houston, where he disappointed scouts when he hit just seven homers. Thin on catchers, the Mariners focused on Johnson's hitting ability and catch-and-throw skills and signed him for $260,000. Because he strained his elbow, Johnson wasn't able to showcase his defense until instructional league. More athletic than most catchers, he moves well behind the plate, where his main need is to improve his throwing accuracy. Johnson will show plus power in batting practice, though he uses more of a line-drive, gap approach during games. Roving hitting instructor Glenn Adams helped him smooth out his swing, which was long and had a slow trigger. Johnson will begin 2005 in low Class A.