Was it Jose Abreu who always sucked in spring training? I remember it was a good player who use to freak people out then when the season started they were fine (although Abreu sucked through April too usually then May he gets on fire).
Although I hated the trade, lots of guys hit well in spring and do nothing when the season starts and vice versa.
Matt Davidson was a spring training god for years once upon a time.
Or it can help Thorpe that he has veteran help at ST who can maybe teach him a different pitch grip on a pitch and give him advice (i.e. Shields with Giolito).