Joe Thatcher

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #19 prospect in 2008
  Thatcher went undrafted after going 4-8, 5.60 as an Indiana State senior in 2004, so he signed with River City of the independent Frontier League. Scouts noticed him at the league's all-star game and he ultimately signed with the Brewers in 2005. The Padres targeted him in the July trade that also netted them Steve Garrison and Will Inman in exchange for Scott Linebrink. Thatcher began the year in Double-A and finished it as San Diego's top lefthanded reliever. He's tough to hit because of his funky, crossfire delivery, which closes off his front shoulder to the batter. He's aggressive and almost always works ahead of hitters, using a cutting 88-91 mph fastball and a sweeping slider from a low three-quarters arm slot. He's especially tough on lefthanders. The Padres identify successful, unheralded relievers as well as any organization--hitting big on Heath Bell, Kevin Cameron, Linebrink and Cla Meredith in recent years--and seem to have done it again with Thatcher. Barring a poor spring training, he'll be on the big league staff in 2008.
• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #23 prospect in 2007
  Thatcher went undrafted after his senior year at Indiana State, when he posted a 4-8, 5.60 mark before signing with independent River City in the Frontier League in 2004. He was closing games for River City and was noticed by scouts at the Frontier League all-star game before signing with the Brewers. He appears to have found his niche as a situational reliever, and despite getting there in roundabout way, he's moving quickly up the organizational ladder. He pitched at three different levels last season, finishing the year in Double-A while making huge strides. Thatcher operates with a cutting 88-91 mph fastball and sweeping slider from a low three-quarters slot. He throws strikes and provides a deceptive look with a funky cross-body delivery. He challenges hitters with his aggressive approach. He is the classic late bloomer who knows how to set up hitters and works ahead in the count with average stuff. He's working to improve his changeup to be more than just a lefty specialist. At 25, he's no kid, but he's so tough on lefthanders (who hit .145 against him in 55 regular season at-bats), he could be knocking on the door in 2007. He dominated Hawaii Winter Baseball (0.73 ERA, .189 opponent average), further speeding his timetable.