25th Rd - Jay Johnson signs

[tywright]

http://www.northwoodsleague.com/view/northwoodsleague/home-page-151/league-news/news_4305

The Rochester Honkers Baseball Club is proud to announce that left handed pitcher Jay Johnson (Prairie Baseball Academy) has agreed to terms on a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Johnson will leave the Honkers and report to the Orioles’ Class-A affiliate the Aberdeen IronBirds in Aberdeen, Maryland Sunday, August 2nd, 2009. The Baltimore Orioles selected Johnson in the 25th round of this year’s Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft with the 746th overall pick.

“I feel really good about signing, I am very excited about it,” said Johnson. “I really wanted to wait and help the team in the playoff race, and I really like playing here in Rochester. The guys have been great, and the coaching staff was huge in getting me back from my earlier injuries. I hope the guys can keep it up and win in the playoffs this year, too.”

Johnson has been a valuable arm out of the bullpen for the Honkers this season, and compiled a 2-1 record with a 4.24 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 17 innings this season in the Northwoods League.

“I do want to say thanks to the city of Rochester, to the organization and to the fans for giving me this opportunity this summer and making it such a great place to play. I also want to say thanks to Scott and Pat Heck for hosting me and bringing me into their homes.”

Following the end of the Class-A Minor League season, Johnson will continue to play in the Instructional League to keep working his way toward the Major Leagues.

Johnson dropped in the draft because of a wrist injury. It was thought he could have gone in the first 12 rounds.

Here's a good story on Johnson after he was drafted.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/sports/article/696103

Being selected by the Orioles was an added bonus.

"Baltimore is my dad's favorite team," Jay said of his father Bill. "When we were young, we were always watching them and Cal Ripken."

The wrist is fine...

"My arm feels good," he said. "My wrist is healthy and I am at about 85 per cent. It doesn't hurt to throw, it just hurts a bit when I am lifting. Other than that, it feels really good to throw."

[markpolis]

Thanks for the update. Will add it to the big board.