Drafted in the 11th round (328th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000.
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A former Central Florida football recruit likened to Daunte Culpepper because of his size and arm strength, Thorpe played in the 2002 South Atlantic League all-star game, teaming with Francisco Rosario and Dustin McGowan to give Charleston three dynamic power pitchers. He was named the organization's man of the year for his off-field contributions while with Charleston. He became heavily involved in a school program in Charleston, reading to school children at schools and libraries, taking kids to the mall or out to lunch, and meeting with them before and after games at the ballpark. In short, Thorpe was having a breakthrough 2002 season. But it all came crashing down in June, when Thorpe injured his shoulder. He had surgery in August to repair two tears in his labrum and may not pitch in 2003. His upside was evident before the injury, though. Thorpe was touching 98 mph with his fastball and regularly gassing hitters with a 93-97 heater that was just wild enough to be effective. He also was starting to throw more consistent strikes with his curveball and changeup, and had toyed with a split-finger fastball. Thorpe was pursuing his rehabilitation program aggressively and hoped to be healthy enough to start soft tossing again in spring training.
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