Indians Top 100 Prospects: #98 Mark Thompson

98. Mark Thompson - Shortstop
Born: 11/26/1984 Height: 5'9" Weight: 165 Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	Age	Team	Lvl	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2007	22	Mahoning Vy	A-	71	250	35	60	9	2	0	24	25	60	11	.240	.346	.292	.638
2008	23	Lake County	A	121	416	63	98	20	3	5	46	37	77	19	.236	.321	.334	.655
		Career		192	666	98	158	29	5	5	70	62	137	30	.237	.330	.318	.648

History: Thompson was an 8^th round pick in the 2007 Draft out of Lewis-Clark State (ID).

Strengths & Opportunities: Thompson has a below average bat and very little power, but has shown the ability to work counts. He is a tick above average as a runner, and gets good jumps on the basepaths. Many people may wonder why given his offensive struggles he continues to be in the everyday lineup and is given a much longer leash than most other prospects would be given to perform. The reason for that is simply due to the fact that he is such an incredible defensive middle infielder.

Thompson is without a doubt the best fielding middle infielder in the entire Indians farm system. At only 5'9" and 165 pounds, he has little to hang his hat on, but his hallmark will always be his exceptional defense in the middle of the infield. There have been several comparisons made between him and John McDonald, and they are definitely there with the run through a wall play style, extraordinary defense, strong arm, and very questionable bat. While his overall numbers on offense were poor last year, his at bats consistently showed improvement over the course of the last month of the season where he was making solid contact and was doing a very good job working counts. For him to be a regular he has to continue to excel in the field and he has to start learning how to make adjustments at the plate and hit a lot more than he is now. He is a solid runner.

Outlook: Thompson probably projects as no more than a utility infielder in the majors or upper levels of the minors and should open the 2009 season in the middle infield at advanced Single-A Kinston.

Photo courtesy of Ken Carr

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