Fantasy MLB: Getting to know Eric Thames

A 24-year-old talent developed in the Blue Jays farm system, Eric Thames was a seventh round pick in the 2008 draft. It wasn’t until he broke out in the Minor Leagues in 2010, clubbing 27 home runs with 104 RBI and a .288 average that he was considered a legitimate prospect.

Thames showed flashes of brilliance this year in spring training, blasting two home runs with two triples and six steals in 25 games. However, with the Blue Jays already offering Juan Rivera, Rajai Davis, Travis Snider, and Jose Bautista spots in the lineup, there were no openings for Thames.

Things have since changed, as Rivera’s struggles will likely land him with another team. Snider had been sent down to the Minors until this week, and Davis has been splitting time with the more effective Corey Patterson. Meanwhile, Thames went out and hit .352 at triple-A with seven home runs and five steals. In need of some offense, the Blue Jays called Thames up to the Major Leagues for his debut on May 18.

Thames has been a serious contributor since that first game against the Rays. He offered a single with a run and an RBI in his debut and has not slowed down since. The only discrepancy was a squeeze for space on the Blue Jays roster. When Adam Lind recovered from an early injury and the Blue Jays needed the extra roster space, they designated Thames back to Triple-A on June 1, despite his solid .286 average and .362 on base percentage.

Three weeks later, the Blue Jays were in need of more offence and Thames again got the call. Since rejoining the team on June 24, Thames has had hits in eight straight games, while slamming three home runs. His batting average has soared to .329 and even his strikeouts have dipped, as he has fanned just twice in the last five games after fanning on nine occasions in the previous five.

What had made Thames so special to Blue Jays fans is that his production has been meaningful. In 38 at bats with the Blue Jays trailing, Thames has been splendid with a .421 average and two home runs.

Thames is also very much a first-pitch hitter. He has put the ball in play on the first pitch on 16 occasions. In those at bats, Thames has picked up eight hits with half of those of the extra-base variety.

Like most rookies, Thames still needs to work on handling off-speed pitches. After all, Thames hits .343 against fastballs, but just .176 against curveballs and sliders.

It is clear that he is far from the finished product, but he is a young outfielder with all five-tools who can find a home in the Blue Jays outfield for years to come. On that note, the Blue Jays are far from a finished product themselves.

Even though the franchise has flirted around .500 throughout the season, the future looks very bright with a young and talented pitching staff and now Thames, Snider, and eventually top prospect Brett Lawrie joining proven sluggers Bautista and Lind in the lineup.