Fenway Insider: September 2014

(Source: Forrest Mulheron/Baseball Essential)

LHP Brian Johnson has been one of the greatest stories for the 2014 Eastern Division winning Portland Sea Dogs. The 23-year old was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round (31^st overall) in the 2012 First Year Player Draft.

Johnson posted a 3-1 record with a 3.86 ERA over five starts with the High-A Salem Red Sox, and was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs on May 2. After being promoted, Johnson continued to impress with a stellar 10-2 record and 1.75 ERA. Even more impressive were his 0.93 WHIP and .189 opponent batting average over 20 starts with Portland.

The southpaw’s numbers were good for a runner up finish in the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year voting, second to fellow Sea Dog Henry Owens. Johnson was also voted the WEEI.com Red Sox Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year.

Johnson again looked impressive in his postseason debut against the Binghamton Mets on Wednesday night, allowing just two runs on six hits to go along with eight strikeouts and a single walk. Portland was unable to capitalize however, losing on a walk off 3-run home run in the bottom of the ninth. The outing was the 22 of his last 23 starts dating back to April that the lefty has allowed two or fewer runs.

FM: You have made a pretty seamless transition from Single A to Double A this season, can you point to anything in particular that has made that transition so easy for you?

BJ: Sticking to your routine, and not trying to do too much. Just because you got promoted to a different level, it worked before; don’t try to change something that’s not broken. I try to stick to my routine and work as hard as I can in between starts, and that’s what I go with.

FM: Tell me about your routine and how it’s evolved over the course of your career?

BJ: When I got to professional baseball, Paul Abbott worked with me in Greenville and in Lowell and he taught me about building a routine. I never really thought about until I got to pro ball, and it’s worked out great for me, I love it. It’s getting in that routine and doing the same things as much as you can. You’re going to have those outside factors like rain delays and stuff you can’t control, you try to abide by your routine and stick to it. It’s definitely played out to where its worked out, and even on the mechanics side of it doing the dry work in between starts and stuff like that.

FM: You have been so effective keeping runners off the base paths this season, is there anything you can think of that explains your effectiveness this season?

BJ: I think it’s not limiting yourself to throwing certain pitches in certain counts, being able to throw any pitch in any count. That’s been the biggest thing. Getting ahead and establishing your fastball, putting a team in swing mode, establish your fastball and get guys swinging makes it easier to mix up your pitches.

FM: What are you looking forward to playing in the postseason this year?

BJ: I was fortunate enough to be part of the Salem club a little bit at the end of last season in the Carolina League, it was an unbelievable experience. I am really looking forward to the post season, the whole team is. It’s a different atmosphere, it’s a different vibe, and it’s a lot of fun. I think the whole teams looking forward to it, because not many people get the opportunity to do it, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get.

FM: What did you learn from last postseason that you can carry forward to Portland’s playoff run this year?

BJ: Don’t do too much; just stick with what’s worked. Don’t overthink things, just go out there and have fun.

FM: What do you think has been a key piece to maintaining a winning chemistry this season with so many moving pieces up and down in the organization?

BJ: I have to credit our coaching staff, from the athletic trainers to Rich Gedman, Bob Kipper, and Billy McMillon. They have done a great job of treating us like professionals, and the team reflects that. Everyone puts the team first; if everyone puts the team first it’s going to work out for the best. No one is selfish; everyone is really positive and only concerned with getting the win.

If Portland is able to advance to the Eastern League Championship series, Johnson will take the mound for Game 1. The Sea Dogs tied the Eastern Division Championship Series at 1-1 Thursday night with a 7-0 victory over the Binghamton Mets. The third game will take place Friday night at 6pm at Hadlock Field in Portland, ME.