Tom Brennan - TOP 25 METS' PROSPECTS: # 17 DAVID THOMPSON
Every time I hear the name David Thompson, I think back to the former NBA star and Jumping Jack of the game with the 50" vertical leap, who once got up so high, he caught his feet on a guy's shoulder and fell and hit his head, leading to a nasty concussion. I always wondered why Thompson played without a parachute - he needed one.
His failed orbital launch is on You Tube - check it out here http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=david+thompson+head+injury+you+tube&view=detail&mid=48778EF3751F592781EB48778EF3751F592781EB&FORM=VIRE.
OK, enough NBA rambling, now let's get back to our David, the earth-bound RBI Machine.
David Thompson, like Peter Alonso, is rated a lumbering base runner. Lots of power guys have had the same drawback and excelled.
Thompson had to deal with a few injuries in 2015 and 2016, but the 2015 4th round third baseman has thankfully still gotten 175 games in so far over that period.
He compiled an amazing 95 RBI's in 116 games in 2016, showing a real nose for driving in base runners, the kind of hitter folks like, especially those who saw the Mets bat under .200 with runners in scoring position for a major chunk of 2016.
David's hot hitting in Columbia led to him being promoted mid year in 2016 to St Lucie and, once there, he did OK, hitting .265 in 55 games in the Florida heat.
An RBI bat is a mighty intriguing and rare commodity, and David must be considered, as of now, as a possible replacement for David Wright by mid-2018, if the latter David can make it that far.
I expect Thompson to move up less-thermal Binghamton for 2017, where we can hope he stays healthy, plays lots of games and drives in 100+. 'Cause if anyone can drive in 100 RBIs in the Mets' minors, it's Thompson.
Tomorrow, # 16 in the Top 25.
We have talked often about Thompson and his limited skills at third. He knows what the baseball world thinks of him in this area.
ReplyDeleteHe also knows what the baseball world thinks about ability to get runners home.
Let us see if he got the hint in the off season and spent it becoming a better third baseman in the field.
Hope to see fielding upgrades from Thompson. Good hit, good field, and you're well On your way.
ReplyDelete