Rich Thompson
| AB | 23 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .087 |
| OBP | .16 |
| SLG | .087 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name Richard Charles Thompson
- Born 04/23/1979 in Reading, PA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School James Madison
- Debut 04/07/2004
- Drafted in the 6th round (178th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Royals became Thompson's fourth organization in five months shortly after December's major league Rule 5 draft ended. He began 2003 in the Blue Jays system and was traded to the Pirates for John Wasdin in July. When Pittsburgh didn't protect Thompson on its 40-man roster, the Padres drafted him and sent him to Kansas City in a prearranged deal for Rule 5 righthander Jason Szuminski and cash. Thompson's excellent speed affords him the range to be an above-average defender and the ability to steal bases. It also factors into his offensive approach, as he'll bunt and slap singles while also legging out doubles and triples. He has just four career home runs and has never walked a lot, but flashed more power and plate discipline in the Arizona Fall League last offseason to raise his profile heading into the Rule 5 draft. He led the AFL with 28 runs, four triples and 13 steals in 25 games, and scouts ranked him as the league's fastest baserunner. Thompson's ability to play all three outfield positions and pinch-run should help him stick with the Royals as a fifth outfielder, but he'll also have to improve his offensive production. If he doesn't, he has to clear waivers and be offered back to the Pirates for half the $50,000 draft price before he can be sent to the minors.
