We've entered an age when players sometimes break news about themselves. On Monday night, Cubs' supplemental-round pick Pierce Johnson did just that:
Just signed with the Chicago Cubs! Thanks to God, family, teammates, coaches, and friends. If it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't be here! Pierce Johnson (@Flowbro34) June 12, 2012
Johnson, 21, pitched three years at Missouri State, with his junior year of 2012 representing a major step forward. He made 13 starts, throwing three complete games with a 2.55 ERA and a 11226 strikeout-to-walk ratio while allowing just one home run in 91 23 innings.
ESPN's Keith Law had Johnson pegged as mid first-round pick before he suffered a forearm strain. Baseball America's Jim Callis lauded Johnson in an interview on WGN-720 AM Monday, agreeing that he would've gone higher had there not been concerns about his health.
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But Johnson made a few starts after missing a few outings in the middle of the season, suggesting that he'll join the Cubs' organization with a clean bill of health.