Rich Thompson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #22 prospect in 2008
  Thompson took a significant step forward last year after a couple of seasons when it looked like he had stagnated. He signed as a 17-year-old out of Australia in 2002, and spent parts of three seasons in high Class A before pitching in Double-A in 2006 and 2007. He helped Australia win a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics and was named to the Futures Game last season after a phenomenal first half back in Double-A. He also appeared in the World Cup after the 2007 season. He opened the season in extended spring training with a sore shoulder, but by the end of April he was a regular in the Travelers bullpen and received a September callup to Anaheim. His fastball velocity spiked, reaching 94 mph at times with solid-average life. Thompson has always had feel for a plus breaking ball, and the low-70s downer has tight spin and 12-to-6 shape. He added a split-finger fastball to his repertoire, and throws a changeup. Thompson's bounced from the bullpen to the rotation, but his fastball plays up in shorter stints and he could become a reliable middle reliever or No. 5 starter. He'll compete for a big league bullpen job this spring.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #27 prospect in 2004
  The Angels have become more aggressive in scouting Australia and signed promising lefthander Matt Ryan out of the under-18 national tournament in January. Catcher Mike Collins hit .333 while splitting time with Bobby Wilson in Provo in 2003. But the most promising Aussie in the system is Thompson, who gave up one earned run in 29 appearances in low Class A year before a promotion. His dominance was so complete that one scout referred to his curveball as a 14-to-6 breaker because of its height and drop. He throws effortless 88-93 mph fastballs, and his arm speed and ability to spin his curve suggest more velocity to come. Thompson developed a feel for a plus changeup when he raised his arm slot and was tried as a starter in instructional league. Still a teenager, he won't be rushed and will return to high Class A after finishing 2003 there. Thompson has the ingredients to continue to baffle opponents. His stamina could be a question as a starter, but if he takes to the new role he could far exceed the Angels' hopes.