Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
RSS
Release of Kris Johnson highlights strange case of 2006 draft for Red Sox 05.17.11 at 12:02 pm ET
By Alex Speier

In some respects, the 2006 draft was a major success for the Red Sox. At the time, it was considered a thin talent class. In retrospect, it has largely borne out that projection.

There have been a few superstars who were taken with early picks — Evan Longoria (No. 3 overall, Rays), Clayton Kershaw (No. 7, Dodgers) and Tim Lincecum (No. 10, Giants) stand out most prominently — yet even a number of the top 10 picks in that draft (No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar, Royals; No. 2 pick Greg Reynolds of the Rockies, No. 4 pick Brad Lincoln of the Pirates, No. 6 selection Andrew Miller with the Tigers, No. 9 pick Billy Rowell of the Orioles) have done little in the five years since they were picked.

As such, the Red Sox have been, by and large, quite pleased with the returns they had from that year’s class of draftees. They acquired several players who have already either become major league contributors — first-rounder Daniel Bard, second-rounder Justin Masterson — or who still have a chance to carve out such roles — ninth-rounder Ryan Kalish, 17th-round pick Josh Reddick, 18th-round selection Lars Anderson.

“I know a lot of us who were involved with it will always be proud of that ’06 draft,” former Sox director of amateur scouting Jason McLeod (now the Padres Assistant GM) said last year.

But it was a draft that was also filled with several notable misses for the Sox. In spring training, the team released first-rounder Jason Place, a player who could not translate his considerable tools into performance, (or more on him, click here) and third-rounders Bryce Cox, whom the team once imagined as a closer-in-the-making but who never passed Double-A and Aaron Bates, a first baseman who got a five-game taste of the majors in 2009 but who never showed enough of a bat to establish himself as a big league contributor at a position that demands offense.

And on Tuesday, the strange case of the 2006 draft continued with the news (via the Triple-A PawSox) that left-hander Kris Johnson had been released. Johnson was a sandwich-round pick whom the Sox took in ’06 as the No. 40 overall selection. For a time, the pick was subject to particular scrutiny, since the Sox took Johnson one pick in front of Joba Chamberlain (whom the Sox had removed from their draft board due to medical concerns).

Johnson dominated as a freshman at Wichita State, with an impressive fastball and a hammer-curve that rated as plus. Though he required Tommy John surgery the following season, the 6-foot-4 left-hander showed enough in his return to the mound in 2006 — a fastball that was again touching 91, athleticism, a fluid delivery, etc. — that the Red Sox felt comfortable taking him.

His curveball never returned after Tommy John, but he developed a solid changeup, and the left-hander showed flashes in his minor league career with the Sox. Most notably, in 2008, Johnson had a 3.63 ERA and struck out 7.1 batters per nine innings with Double-A Portland resulting in an invite to big league camp the following year, where he put himself on the Sox’ radar as a potential big league contributor. But after coming so close to the majors, he experienced a dramatic fall. Over the past three years in Pawtucket, he had an 11-28 record and 6.09 ERA, including marks of 2-2 with a 12.63 ERA this year.

And so, it seemed a matter of if, not when, he would be released, making it easy to suggest that the Sox missed on Johnson, and of course, there is some truth to that. At the same time, his release is also a reminder of how few impact players there are in a draft.

There were certainly notable players who emerged as huge talents from that class after being taken after Johnson. While Chamberlain (taken No. 45) has seen his star dim, second rounders Brett Anderson (selected by the Diamondbacks), Trevor Cahill (A’s) and now Masterson (Red Sox) have shown considerable potential as starters. The third round saw Zach Britton go to the Orioles, the A’s landed two-time All-Star closer Andrew Bailey in the sixth round, highly regarded Rays outfield prospect Desmond Jennings went in the 10th round and Mat Latos was there for the taking in the 11th round due to makeup questions.

There were certainly some diamonds to be mined when the Sox selected Johnson — but not many. As such, his release is perhaps as much a reminder of the imperfect science of the draft as it is a missed pick.

Read More: 2006 draft, Daniel Bard, joba chamberlain, justin masterson Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://www.grdc.com.au/linkdirect.cfm?targeturl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pcinternetbanking.com%22%3EInternet+banking%3C%2fa%3E+is+a+great+way+to+do+business.++Banking+on+the+internet+has+become+a+way+of+life+ Jacinta Sugg

    If you are looking for a handmade leather bag then this blog will help you in finding out then. Italian leather hand bags will make you a limelight of the show if you carry them. All those handbags are made of durable handmade leather which comes with magnetic snap closure for easy access with adjustable straps and various compartments for storage. I would praise the artistic designs of the Italian artisans for its elegant design and makings. Get hold of the handmade handbags and rock the show wherever you go. Thanks!

  • http://www.dsidiamond.com/cardi-cutting-systems/item/hand-held.html?category_id=41 rescue blade

    Nice weblog here! Also your web site a lot up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your associate hyperlink in your host? I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  • http://www.recoverhyipmoney.com/ Lost HYIP Money in Scam Program

    hello there and thank you in your info ? I’ve certainly picked up something new from proper here. I did on the other hand experience some technical points the usage of this website, since I skilled to reload the website many occasions prior to I may get it to load correctly. I had been pondering if your web hosting is OK? No longer that I am complaining, however slow loading circumstances occasions will very frequently impact your placement in google and can harm your high quality rating if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m including this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you replace this again soon..

  • http://led-light.agreensupply.net/LED-Light/led-lighting-compay-makes-inc-magazine-5000-list/ computer led lights

    hello there and thanks for your info ? I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did alternatively expertise several technical issues using this web site, as I skilled to reload the website many times previous to I may just get it to load correctly. I were wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, however sluggish loading cases times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could harm your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this once more soon..

  • http://www.gasengineer.uk.com/24callout.html boiler breakdown

    Normally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice article.

  • http://www.unterwegs-in.net/ Reisen

    Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I’m hoping to offer one thing back and aid others like you helped me.

  • http://www.arhbuildingsolutions.com/5-bay-for-holy-rosary-rc-primary-school-2 Portable Building Systems

    Hello my loved one! I want to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I’d like to peer more posts like this .

  • http://www.adidasoccercleats.com/ adidas f50 adizero

    Thank you for the fantastic page!I surely experienced each and every part from it.I’ve you favorited to discover supplemental content you weblog!

  • http://www.leagueoflegendshack.org/hacks Check the best League of Legends Hacks!

    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative. I?m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  • http://accidentlawyers-arizona.com/tucson-car-accident-lawyer/ Auto Accident Lawyer

    Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you ever been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The entire glance of your web site is magnificent, as smartly as the content!

  • http://www.nikemercurialvaporsoccer.com/ nike soccer cleats

    I enjoy the important points you produce in this articles or blog posts.I will bookmark the web-site and check repeatedly here repeatedly.Great week!

  • http://wordpressviet.com Thiet ke web

    Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to grasp a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something. I feel that you just can do with a few % to drive the message house a bit, but other than that, that is wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

  • http://www.afacereonline.ro make quick money

    Excellent website. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks on your sweat!

  • http://www.full-matches.com/category/uefa-champions-league/page/2 Football – Download Full Matches| Goals | Highlights

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really neatly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  • http://www.worldwide-invest.org/metatrader-expert-advisors/2888-req-tip-spear.html foex Forum

    Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a amusement account it. Glance complicated to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep in touch?

  • http://www.qbstore.net Free QuickBooks POS

    I will right away snatch your rss as I can not to find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  • http://www.inflamedgums.info/inflamed-gums-treatment/inflamed-gums-treatment-2/ healing inflamed gums

    advertising

  • http://vegetarianweightlossdietplan.info vegetarian weight loss diet plan

    Exceptional Post. Many thanks for the share..

  • http://www.awsmer.com/site/faq Buy Europe Traffic

    I think that is one of the such a lot vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. However wanna remark on few normal issues, The site style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Just right activity, cheers

  • http://www.showroomshinemobile.com/index.php?view=aboutus Showroom Shine Mobile Detailing & Reconditioning

    I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to exhibit that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I most indubitably will make certain to do not overlook this site and provides it a look regularly.

  • http://www.buyticketscenter.com/agbeko-vs-mares-tickets/ agbeko vs mares tickets

    Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn. This is an extremely neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

  • http://wehavemeds.com/elimite.php viagra | tramadol | soma

    I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am glad to express that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I most definitely will make sure to don?t overlook this website and provides it a look regularly.

  • http://prescriptionmasters.com/retin-a.php viagra | percoset | vicodin

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to give something again and help others like you aided me.

  • http://maxmeds.net/gris-peg.php soma | viagra | tramadol

    Hello there, I discovered your blog by way of Google at the same time as looking for a related matter, your website got here up, it appears to be like good. I’ve bookmarked to my favourites|added to my bookmarks.

  • http://ezrxmeds.com soma | viagra | vicodin

    I used to be recommended this blog through my cousin. I am now not certain whether or not this submit is written by him as no one else recognise such special about my trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!

  • http://rxdealsforyou.com/wellbutrin.php tramadol | ultram | viagra

    I’ll immediately grasp your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me know so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  • http://pricecutmeds.com/buspar.php tramadol | soma | fioricet

    You are in point of fact a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you have done a great task on this topic!

  • http://www.leakmp3s.com/sample-page/ Beat maker music software

    I simply could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the usual information an individual provide to your guests? Is gonna be back steadily to check up on new posts

  • http://www.ecscards.co.uk/categories.php?category=X-Pole-XPert-Titanium x pole-dancing

    Somebody necessarily assist to make critically articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual submit extraordinary. Great task!

  • http://www.facebook.com/pages/Como-LLamar-a-Cuba/184655484934859?sk=app_190322544333196 como llamar a cuba

    Good day very nice blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?I am satisfied to find numerous useful info here within the submit, we want develop more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  • http://facefat.net/face-fat/lose-face-fat/ face fat

    Thank you for every other informative web site. Where else may I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.

  • http://www.tfsnetworks.com/repair/social-networking marketing on the internet

    Great publish, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t realize this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!|What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other customers like its aided me. Good job.

  • http://www.quakerwindow.net/quote.html glass repair, repairs windows philadelphia

    Awesome things here. I am very satisfied to see your post. Thanks a lot and I’m looking ahead to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

  • http://cvs-coupons.org cvs coupons codes

    Unquestionably consider that that you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst other people think about concerns that they plainly do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  • http://www.recoveringfromhipreplacement.com/category/uncategorized/page/8 recovering from hip replacement

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was once totally right. This publish truly made my day. You can not believe simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  • http://www.duielcajon.com/business/dui-criminal-defense-superior-law-group.html dui el cajon

    Hello very cool blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?I’m satisfied to seek out so many helpful information here within the post, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  • http://toys-r-us-coupons.com/tag/toys-r-us-coupons-2/ toys r us coupons codes

    Excellent blog right here! Also your site rather a lot up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink in your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  • http://hydroponicsgardening.co.uk/tag/elite hydroponic

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment and even I success you get entry to persistently rapidly.

  • http://www.aliciafashion.com lingerie

    Great content!I had a amazing time reading your article and I love it. I apreciate the fact that you spend the time to write it great blog and share it with us. I can’t wait to view your next blog.I agree with you This is an amazing page and I couldn’t say it any better. Great for sharing this great blog with us! You must have done lot of researches. I like it when knowledgeable people like yourself post amazing post like that and share tips. I will be waiting for your next blog.

  • chico

    Go for T. Ruutu from Carolina….he’s a feisty animal!!!…perfect dangerous two-way player for or third line….with a tireless motor…..

  • Anonymous

    Well, I see there is one obvious way forward from here. The Bruins are not going to be able to compete with Pittsburg on a skill level basis, but Pittsburg nor any other team can out physical the Bruins. So let’s make this Bruins team an absolute beast and turn these playoff series into brawls.

    I say we trade for a decent defenseman and then a bunch of physical players and some goons and just kick the crap out of these finesse teams like Pittsburgh and Montreal. Let’s trade for Ryan Clowe, and some other guys like George Parros, David Clarkson, maybe even John Scott. We’ll just have to see how Iginla or Crosby likes being run at every time they step on the ice.

    There are no skill players left really, so we might as well goon it up this year and take advantage of the fact the Bruins could just beat the crap out of teams in 7 game series. Seems like the best way forward now to me.

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify