Johnson’s Mission Looks Quite Possible

Gary Johnson’s mission to prove he’s better than a 19th-round draft pick is cruising along.

Drafted in the 18th round out of high school, Johnson decided to attend college. After two years at California, he left for a two-year mission for the Mormon church.

He returned and played one year at Brigham Young. At 23, Johnson was older than most college juniors and fell to the 19th round in the 1999 draft.

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 outfielder, hit .314 with 48 runs batted in in his first pro season at short-season Boise in 1999. He started this season in Class-A Lake Elsinore, where he batted .338 with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs in the first half. He ranks among the top five in eight California League offensive categories.

He made the Cal League all-star team for a game against the Carolina League in Kinston, N.C., June 20. Johnson went two for three with an RBI in the Cal League’s 5-4 loss.

After the game, Johnson stayed on the East Coast. He was promoted to double-A Erie in the Eastern League and has started well with the SeaWolves. He had two hits and a stolen base in his first game and is batting .344 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 16 games through Friday.

Right-hander Felipe Suarez was promoted from Lake Elsinore to triple-A Edmonton Friday. Suarez was 5-5 with a 2.20 ERA and a team-high five saves.