Corey Thurman
| IP | 83 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.771 |
| WHIP | 1.687 |
| BB/9 | 5.855 |
| SO/9 | 7.265 |
- Full name Corey Lamar Thurman
- Born 11/05/1978 in Augusta, GA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Texas
- Debut 04/05/2002
- Drafted in the 4th round (109th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 1996.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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It's somewhat perplexing that Thurman was available to the Blue Jays in the major league Rule 5 draft in December. He was left unprotected by the Royals after winning 27 games in his previous two seasons, including a strong performance in Double-A last year. He finished fourth in the Texas League in ERA and held opponents to a .206 average, all at age 22. But Kansas City opted to protect low-ceiling veterans such as Cory Bailey and Raul Ibanez over Thurman. He has the stuff to stick with Toronto throughout 2002 and the opportunity to do it as a long reliever. He broke through in 2000 when he started working off his 88-90 mph fastball more, making his plus changeup more effective. On occasion, his fastball will touch 93 mph. The Jays also like reports on his good work ethic, his durability and the development of his curveball, which has become an out pitch. -
Thurman had four undistinguished seasons in the Royals system before 2000, when he finally made a breakthrough by leading the Carolina League in ERA. He was 17 when he was drafted, so Kansas City knew he would take time. His best pitch is his changeup, though he falls in love with it on occasion and costs himself velocity on his fastball. When his delivery is sound, Thurman can touch 93 mph, though he more often pitches in the 88-90 range. He didn't have a breaking ball before he turned pro, and since has made progress with a curveball. If he can throw his curveball for strikes and mix in some more fastballs, he could move quickly. He has a big league body that reminds the Royals of a stronger Dave Stewart. Thurman is ready to move up to Double-A in 2001.
