Trayce Thompson. He started the season hot, but it was pointed out that his high BABIP and somewhat high K-rate meant he was due for regression. And he did go on a more-or-less 2-week slump, but the last 4 games he seems to have bounced back. Aside from the fact that it's nice to see him bounce back from a slump pretty quick, I wanted to throw out there his season line, because I think some of the peripherals are interesting. So to date...

 

39 G, 158 PA: .274/.323/.445 (.768), 10 BB (6.3%), 35 K (22.2%), .339 BABIP

 

So, that BABIP is actually pretty close to typical for a .274 AVG on a power hitter, maybe a little high. But I think any luck factor there, especially with 158 PA now, has been minimized. Also that K rate is actually lower than he's had at any stop in his career, so the increased contact does help explain the higher average.

 

I'll say again, I think we're seeing some real improvement, resulting from some real adjustments. He's making contact at a reasonable rate, the luck factor doesn't appear to be big anymore, he's hitting for power and a decent average. The only worrisome factor for me is the walk rate being lower than his more typical 10%.

 

What do others think at this point?

 

I think his improved K rate is making him a legitimate option for the 4th OF role at some point in the future, but overall his offensive numbers aren't very impressive. Or said another way, he doesn't look close to starter material IMO. However, if he can be even passable with the bat in small doses, his ability as a good to plus defender at all three OF spots will make him a very solid bench player. In fact, I think there's a decent chance he replaces Shuck at some point this year.

Reminds me of following Mike Morse during his minor league career. You could see the size and potential, and then you look at the numbers and you feel like...

 

 

 

Hopefully he can put it together occasionally for some major league success like Morse.

 

I think he presents a better overall option than JB Shuck at the present time

Hopefully he can put it together occasionally for some major league success like Morse.

That's not entirely fair because Morse hit the roids and went from a middle infielder to a hulking first baseman.

That's not entirely fair because Morse hit the roids and went from a middle infielder to a hulking first baseman.

Morse was taking roids since 2003 in our system. He produces when his body isn't breaking down.

 

Thompson is 24, so he can still put it together and help out the Sox.

That's not entirely fair because Morse hit the roids and went from a middle infielder to a hulking first baseman.

 

Morse was a hulk in 2003 when I met him and air-mailed every throw from shortstop.

I think he presents a better overall option than JB Shuck at the present time

While this is true...he also has some chance of turning into an everyday player and he's unlikely to do that if he only gets 100 PA the rest of this year.

 

It's not like we're in a position where the difference in quality between Shuck and Thompson as player #24 on the roster is going to suddenly push us into competition for the division any time soon. IF that were to change in a month or two, then maybe you think about it once TT has had more than half a year at AAA.

He's bounced back rather well from his slump in early May.

 

Would prefer to see Thompson play the next three months in Charlotte and build confidence in his stroke.

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Avi Garcia on the DL withing the next couple weeks and if that does happen I want Thompson up and starting

Thompson does not have a long term home in the organization right now, with no path to the majors. I think keeping him in AAA where he can be a force ups his trade value when the Sox need to make a move to address other areas of the ML roster.

Thompson does not have a long term home in the organization right now, with no path to the majors. I think keeping him in AAA where he can be a force ups his trade value when the Sox need to make a move to address other areas of the ML roster.

Thompson plays defense, so he should at least have some pathway to the majors because almost no one in our outfield does it very well (except for Eaton, presuming he gets back to playing D like he can).

Thompson plays defense, so he should at least have some pathway to the majors because almost no one in our outfield does it very well (except for Eaton, presuming he gets back to playing D like he can).

 

He is not going to displace Cabrera or Garcia though, and by the time Melky is gone Thompson will be playing in the majors somewhere.

He is not going to displace Cabrera or Garcia though, and by the time Melky is gone Thompson will be playing in the majors somewhere.

 

Spends next year as fourth OF

Melky takes over at DH when LaRoche is up.

Trayce becomes starter.

 

If his production demands it, he can still end up starting here.

Good gracious, if he's good, there's plenty of room for him in this organization.

Lord help we actually have 2 outfielders or some depth.

Spends next year as fourth OF

Melky takes over at DH when LaRoche is up.

Trayce becomes starter.

 

If his production demands it, he can still end up starting here.

 

No way is Melky appropriate for DH, his roids have clearly worn off and has abysmal power now.

No way is Melky appropriate for DH, his roids have clearly worn off and has abysmal power now.

 

Apparently they have a much longer life cycle then they used ot.

Good gracious, if he's good, there's plenty of room for him in this organization.

Lord help we actually have 2 outfielders or some depth.

 

Seriously. Looking at our lineup and saying someone can't find playing time is a hilarious idea.