first look

Checked out the Mississippi Braves’ newest edition, Cody Johnson, at Trustmark Park tonight. The former Atlanta Braves first-round pick (2006) is an impressive specimen, standing 6 feet 4 and weighing every bit of his listed 195 (and probably more). Johnson, an outfielder, has been moving slowly in the Braves’ system, mainly because of defensive issues and a tendency to strike out a lot. In fact, West Tenn lefty Nick Hill fanned Johnson in his first Double-A at-bat. But the left-handed hitter does have power. He hit 28 homers at Class A Rome last year and 32 at high-A Myrtle Beach this season. He’ll likely be here for an extended stint in 2010 — and he’ll likely park a few balls on the roof of the cafe beyond right field. Put him down as a work in progress. But don’t dismiss him. By the way, Johnson’s father, John, played at Mississippi State. He might just feel at home here.