Age: 45

Joined organization: January 1994

Named scouting director: September 2007

Background: Born and raised in Vallejo, Calif. ... Played three minor league seasons in the Pirates organization from 1988 to 1990, never getting above Class A. ... Became assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of San Francisco from 1992 to '93 before being hired by the Twins. Coincidentally, one of the top pitching prospects in the draft, righthander Kyle Zimmer, pitches for USF. ... One of two black scouting directors in the league.

Pick that's turning out: Infielder Brian Dozier (eighth round, 2009), the first pick by Johnson to reach the majors, looks to have the skills to be the Twins' answer at shortstop.

Pick that needs to come through: Outfielder Aaron Hicks (14th overall, 2008), Johnson's first pick as scouting director, has all the tools but is not having a strong year to Class AA New Britain.

Pitching setbacks: Shooter Hunt (31st overall, 2008) couldn't throw strikes and was taken by St. Louis in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft in December. Kyle Gibson (22nd overall) and Matt Bashore (46th) were the Twins' first two picks in 2009, and both have had Tommy John surgery-- Bashore has had two and was released this spring. Alex Wimmers (21st overall in 2010) is battling elbow problems.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III