With the 43rd pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson from Missouri State. Here's the scouting report on Johnson from MLB.com:
Related: 2012 MLB Draft Results: Chicago Cubs Select OF Albert Almora With No. 6 Overall Pick
Johnson was moving quickly up Draft boards, but a forearm strain put that on pause. He came back and threw well, with plenty of time to show everyone he's fully healthy leading up to the Draft. Johnson has a good three-pitch mix starting with a fastball that is plus at times, touching 94 mph. He's more successful when he keeps it down in the zone, which he does when he repeats his delivery well. Johnson throws a hard curve that works as an effective out pitch, missing more bats than he does with the fastball. He doesn’t use the changeup as much, but it has the potential to be at least an average pitch in the future. He throws strikes and competes very well on the mound. Assuming he's healthy, Johnson should join a solid group of college starters who could go off the board shortly after the top tier, profiling well as a No. 3-type starter at the highest level.
Johnson is the Cubs' second selection of the 2012 MLB Draft. The North Siders took Albert Almora, a high school outfielder from Miami, with the No. 6 overall pick earlier in the day.
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