- Full name John Thomas
- Born
- School Morehouse (LA) HS
- Drafted in the 14th round (261st overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 1965.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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When the Giants drafted Thomas in 1999 and signed him for $565,000, they thought they had found another hard-throwing lefthander. But they soon discovered that he needed Tommy John surgery. They decided not to void his contract, even though he wouldn't make his pro debut until 2001. San Francisco is still waiting to see what a healthy Thomas might do, because he has pitched just 111 pro innings and spent two months on the disabled list last year with a shoulder injury. He had a strong instructional league, so there's still hope that he might blossom. Thomas throws one of the best changeups in the organization, though he's still learning how to take advantage of it. He has a 91-92 mph when he's healthy, and throws a curveball and cutter. He probably needs more time in high Class A. -
Thomas had a difficult beginning with the organization, but the Giants are glad they stuck with him because he's another hard-throwing lefthander in a system deep in them. He could have had his contract voided after he signed late in 1999 for a $565,000 bonus when the club discovered he needed Tommy John surgery. Because he already had spent time at Salem-Keizer in 1999, though he didn't pitch, San Francisco decided to keep him through 2000, when he rehabilitated but didn't take the mound. The Giants were rewarded by Thomas' encouraging effort when he finally made his pro debut last year. He regained the velocity on his fastball after his rehab, topping out at 93 mph. Thomas also has a hard overhand curveball, but his best pitch is a changeup with good arm speed and late sink. He was rolling in June when he was shut down again with a tender arm. He's another good example of how the presence of a low Class A club helped the farm system immensely. Thomas will move up a step to high Class A this year if healthy.