10/04/2015 - College PREP - Trenton, NJ
Johnny continues to make adjustments in his game as he enters his final season. In the OF, he makes the routine plays with mature mechanics and feel for the game. Arm strength plays well with carry to his targets. On the mound, he continues to throw from the hi 3/4 slot with a compact delivery and still eyes. His ball shows some life on it in the high 70s to low 80s. At the plate, this RHH hits with a solid lower 1/2 and direct hands that produce easy pop to all fields. Overall, Johnny has shown vast improvement over the years and possesses some next level tools.
08/18/2015 - National Tryout Plus - Trenton, NJ
Johnny Lawton showed some of his best ability to date at the Trenton, NJ National Tryout Plus with Baseball Factory. Measurables improved in most facets, running a 7.03 sixty, hitting 77 with his exit velocity, and topping out at 84 with his FB. On the hill, he threw a two seam and four seam with similar action from 81-84, spun an 11/5 CB with flashes of sharp break from 64-67, and a CH with decent run/fade from 73-75. He showed some good feel and control of his FB's and CB, and with more work on the CH will be able to mix all three pitches in any count. His arm was live and his mechanics were sound to repeat his delivery. Defensively in the OF, he worked to and through the baseball with efficient feet and had good body control to gain momentum and throw. He worked his fingers on top of the baseball to create backspin and on-line carry to his targets. Offensively, he was selective and level with his path. He got his hands activated and centered the ball on the barrel with most swings. Overall - Johnny is entering his senior year with present tools and a frame that will play at the next level.
10/05/2014 - College PREP - Trenton, NJ
Johnny continues to improve as he displayed his quickest running times to date (7.55 60yd & 4.35 H-1B) and topped out at 81mph on the bump. He displayed his coachable skills with the ability to make adjustments and improved every facet of his game. In the OF, he continues to take good routes with a controlled approach. Polishing his skills and working on getting behind the ball/playing through it will take his abilities to the next level. On the mound, he continues to through from the HI 3/4-arm slot with loose arm actions. He has shown improvement in his ability to command his pitches. Working with good composure/rhythm and ability to command his low 80s FB down in the zone makes him a tough pitcher to face. Consistency with command and mechanics and staying on his bag leg longer will improve his pitching skillset. At the plate, his athletic stance and simple stride/load give him a reliable/repeatable swing. He has improved his ability to stay inside the ball creating a more consistent line drive swing. Refining his timing and focusing on BS will improve his hitting abilities. This righty continues to improve and should impress coaches in his upcoming season.
01/17/2014 - Baseball Factory Spring Training at Pirate City
Johnny is a hardworking player with a positive attitude and continues to show as OF/RHP at the event. He has improved his foot speed as he ran his best 60 time to date. In the OF, feet are active as he takes proper routes / angles in tracking down balls and maintains solid body control, displaying clean hands. Defensive grade will continue to improve as he works to get behind balls more to play through with momentum to target and present hands more out front. Throws are accurate, but will benefit by building more arm strength through a long toss program and work on getting rid of the baseball more quickly. At the plate, he shows an athletic setup with balance. He loads well, displays loose hands that work through a level swing path, and makes consistent contact, mainly to the pull side. Hitting grades will continue to improve as he works to keep hands inside the ball to utilize all fields. Power numbers will continue to improve as he learns to use his lower half more. On the mound, fastball showed on a slight downhill plane. Breaking ball displays 10/4 shape with gradual break. Changeup shows cutting action but slows his arm speed on his off speed pitches, tipping off the hitters. Stock on the mound will continue to improve as he builds more arm strength, improves off speed stuff, and works to throw more strikes.
01/18/2013 - Baseball Factory National Spring Training at Pirate City
Johnny worked out both in the OF and on the mound in Pirate City. Defensively, Johnny is aggressive to the ball, he works behind it well, and plays through. He has a simple release, and throws with accuracy to his target. On the mound, Johnny has a sounds arm action, a controlled balance point, and good direction. He keeps his head on target and is around the plate with his pitches. Offensively, Johnny showed a good set-up, a level swing, and he makes square contact,
07/17/2012 - Cape Cod Select Training & Competition - Session 3
Johnny is an athletic 2016 graduate who is a RHP/C/OF. Behind the plate he has firm hands and square setup but he needs to loosen up, lower his setup, stay in-line and keep his head down/do not pick the ball when blocking. In the outfield Johnny has an athletic fielding position, sure hands, efficient footwork, good agility and he is a hustler. His arm strength is above average with carry on his ball and he is accurate to his target. On the mound Johnny has good control, rhythm, landing and separation but he needs to loosen/lengthen his arm action, use his lower half more and bend on his finish. At the plate Johnny has an athletic setup, hands back load, lower half gets through and he has good bat speed. He needs to stride at the pitcher (he is open), load without arm bar and keep his balance centered. Overall Johnny showed a lot of potential in all aspects of the game. If he continues to work hard and make some adjustments he should be a good player in the future.
12/27/2011 - Vero Beach Christmas Camp and Tournament
Johnny is a 2016 graduate who catches and plays middle infield. Behind the plate Johnny has an athletic set up and gives a good target. He receives with firm hands and has fluid footwork that stays in line towards his target. He deadens the ball when blocking but sometimes will leave head up instead of down. At the plate Johnny has an athletic set up. He is very relaxed at the plate and has quick hands. His bat speed is fast and he made solid contact all week. He has a very good approach at the plate and shows good discipline. His bat path is level and he is a competitor at the plate. He consistently had good at bats during the camp and showed the ability to take charge at the plate. Johnny will continue to get better with age and would like to see him down the road.