Drafted in the 4th round (117th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006 (signed for $225,000).
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Based purely on his present stuff and makeup, Thompson has second-round value, but there are several question marks about him. He transferred to Pensacola from North Alabama after an injury led to surgery, when he had two pins inserted in his right elbow. He was aggressive in his rehab and came out this spring flashing a fastball with life at 95-96 mph. He has average command of his fastball and changeup, which also has potential to be a plus pitch. Thompson's slurvy breaking ball has a ways to go, as do his mechanics. He pitches from a low three-quarters arm slot, and his elbow is too low on its way back through to his release. He profiles as a set-up man unless he can develop a usable slider, as opposed to trying to throw a curveball from an arm slot that is more conducive for a slider.
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