49. Johnny Dorn

49. Johnny Dorn - RHP - 6'3 - 210lbs
(last year: NR)



The Marlins drafted righthanded starter Johnny Dorn in the 15^th round of the 2008 amateur draft out of the University of Nebraska. Heading into the NCAA playoffs in 2008, he led all active Division I pitchers with 36 wins. He was also named to the First-Team All-Big 12, as well as being a semifinalist for the Howser and Golden Spikes Award. He was dominant as a senior at Nebraska, going 6-2 with a 2.45era and a 1.04whip in 106.1 innings of work. He struck out nearly 1 per inning as well.

In his freshman year, Dorn strained his elbow in the 2005 College World Series and saw his velocity go down the following two seasons. In the spring of 2008, his velocity had him back in the high 80s-low 90s fastball. While his four seamer isn’t anything more than an average pitch, Dorn utilizes an above average slider as his out-pitch. He also has shown potential in his big looping curveball as well as his changeup.

Like many college kids, Dorn was clearly in control in his 16 starts in the New York-Penn League. And like many of those who have dominated in Jamestown, it will be a test for him to keep the ball in the park when he begins his season in Greensboro for 2009. Not many pitchers at that level have as refined a second pitch as he does so he could continue to have success, which would make the feat even more impressive in a hitter’s league.