LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2006 National Showcase
Chase Johnson is a 2007 right hand pitcher from Deer Valley HS, residing in Glendale, AZ. Johnson has a power pitcher body. He has thick and strong proportions and looks like he will be an innings eater with his 6'4" 210 lb. frame. Not only does he have a power type body, Johnson also has a very strong arm and was ranked #30 among PG National Top 85 pitchers. He pitches from an over the top slot with a long arm action. On the backside Johnson takes his arm to deep extension, creating leverage for his strong arm. He has a drop and drive type of delivery and not only is built like a power pitcher, he approaches pitching that way. He sort of gathers in hunched up manner over the rubber before exploding to the plate. There is some effort in Johnson's arm stroke, but he can maintain velocity. His fastball was up to 93 and sat 88-92 mph. Despite the effort, it still came out of his hand well and was heavy in the zone. He can simply beat hitters with his challenge type fastball, particularly if he is down in the zone. Johnson also showed a slippery 77-78 mph slider that is a good change of pace pitch and can be developed into something better than that. His change-up was 77-79 mph and used as a third, show me type pitch. Johnson's primary pitch is the fastball and it should remain that way. He is a top level D1 arm but will also get strong area scout interest, particularly if he flashes any 94s or 95s this spring, which is possible in Arizona.