#13: LF Eric Thames

Name: Eric Thames
Position: Left fielder
Acquired: 7th round (2008)
Opening Day age: 24
Height/weight: 6'1", 205 lbs
Best/worst tool: Power/fielding

Scouting Report: Eric Thames is known for his bat and little else. His baserunning and arm are adequate, but his fielding is mediocre even for left field and may see him move to 1B or DH down the road. Thames is an aggressive hitter, and his power got him noticed in highschool and college, causing him to be drafted by both the Yankees and Blue Jays. He has strong bat skills, as he hit .361 in 382 college AB and .295 in 712 MiLB AB (entering 2011). Thames' bat could play at the major league level now.

2010 Stats: .288/.370/.526 (.896 OPS), 25 2B, 6 3B, 27 HR, 104 RBI, 8 SB

2010 Analysis: Despite being drafted in 2008, 2010 was Thames' first full, injury free season in professional baseball. He displayed the power stroke that got him drafted, and was named an Eastern League All-Star and the MVP of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. With the power came strikeouts, however, as Thames struck out 121 times in 130 games. One additional concern with Thames was his lefty/righty splits, as he hit right handed pitchers much better than lefties.

Future outlook: With his promotion to Triple-A, Thames' focus needs to be staying healthy, working on his defense, and controlling his swing against left handed pitchers. Prior to the 2010 season he started practicing Yoga in an attempt to reduce injuries and it appears to have paid off. Given his extended look in Spring Training and relative success there, the front office appears to believe he is almost ready, and barring a collapse he should reach the major leagues.

Perfect world projection: Everyday MLB left fielder, possibly an All-Star appearance or two in his prime if he can stay healthy and be competent against lefties.

Worst case scenario: Platoon MLB 1B/DH, being benched against left handers and too injury prone to play the field consistently.

Most likely outcome: Platoon MLB left fielder, being benched against tough left handed pitchers.

Eric Thames has started the 2011 season with Las Vegas, getting his first taste of Triple-A. He has started well, and given his power swing and the hitter friendly environment of the PCL, that success is likely to continue. Thames could see Toronto in September, or possibly earlier if an injury occurs to a corner outfielder.