Red Sox Sign Newly Drafted Pitchers Brian Johnson, Austin Maddox

The Boston Red Sox haven't exactly had the strongest pitching staff in the MLB this season, but they took two big steps to strengthening it on Wednesday.

Boston signed first-round draft pick Brian Johnson and third-rounder Austin Maddox on Wednesday. The two pitchers are already very familiar with one another, as they were both teammates at the University of Florida before signing with Boston.

Johnson, a left-handed starting pitcher, went 8-5 with a 3.90 ERA last season for the Gators. He finished with 73 strikeouts and 18 walks over 17 starts for the University of Florida. Johnson also spent some time at first base and designated hitter, batting .307 with 41 RBI. He is one of three finalists for the John Olerud Two-Way player of the Year Award, and was named a first-team All-American this season.

Maddox is a relief pitcher and served as Florida's primary closer last season, finishing 3-3 with 12 saves. Maddox had a 2.44 ERA, with 57 strikeouts and 11 walks as a junior in 2012, his 12 saves just one shy of his school's single-season record. The right-hander was named a third-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Boston has now signed 21 of its players selected in the 2012 draft, including all 12 picks made in rounds one through 10.