Broken Bat - Discussion Forum: Busted

Post ID	Date & Time	Game Date	Function

#44133	01/20/2017 12:45:43 pm
Tiger504 Joined: 06/17/2014 Posts: 1314 Kalamazoo Bloody Tigers III.4	I'm firmly convinced Ben Thacker is a bust. I was excited about him when I drafted him for obvious reasons. 15 pot, LH hitting catcher. I've been convinced he's a bust for awhile now. Close to 3 seasons on rookie ball, same for A ball and has yet to promote. He starts very slow but always ends up okay. Doesn't hit homers or steal. I know he would get a ton of claims if I release him. So why is he still on my roster? Hope in spite of evidence. Lack of certainty in spite of 10+ seasons of experience and some reasonable success. Weaker than I'm used to drafts the last 3 seasons. I've been fortunate in the draft before that but lately pickings have been slim. No complaints, just admitting that my early drafts were blessed. I let Mel Harada go. He was a 15 but he didn't fit my plans and I haven't regretted it. With Harada, I had the pieces I wanted instead of him. Someone please talk me into letting Thacker go or explain to me who I should keep him besides apprehension. Updated Friday, January 20 2017 @ 12:46:03 pm PST

#44137	01/20/2017 1:39:48 pm
JJNZ Joined: 12/09/2014 Posts: 1580 Yakima Monster III.3	To point out a couple of positives: He's still just 21, less than ideal to be in A ball, but still has a chance of being in the majors by about 25/26 He's a great CS guy He gained 7 SI last season, so might be one of those guys who gains in spurts His speed is a bit wasted, but I'd definitely be putting a claim in if you let him go

#44146	01/20/2017 6:10:31 pm
Rock777 Joined: 09/21/2014 Posts: 9596 Haverhill Halflings III.1	Nothing wrong with 21 in A ball. His growth looks pretty decent. 4 points at both 18 and 19 is good. Players often grow slowly in their teens. I'd claim him in a heart beat.

#44154	01/20/2017 7:37:59 pm
jdar25 Joined: 11/14/2016 Posts: 52 Inactive	I would also claim him in a heartbeat but I think the main argument to keep him is risk over reward. He still has the potential so I rather hold onto him with a chance turning into something great than risk it trying to go in a different direction.

#44160	01/21/2017 12:26:17 am
Mcdoogle Joined: 05/21/2015 Posts: 243 Inactive	I would claim him as well, he hits alot of doubles, depending on his BC he could be the perfect #2 lineup hitter.

#44161	01/21/2017 12:39:55 am
FurySK Joined: 02/07/2015 Posts: 299 Inactive	I doubt he's a bust, but i do agree that there are some concerns with limited use. 100-105 SI is likely the window that he decides he is ready to join the majors. I think that the speed being wasted is simply not true, it's just an argument of where the speed is applies. He's clearly a guy that's best served going for extra bases when possible, and should be otherwise set to low steals. I suppose the question is how willing are you going to be to gain 20 SI in the majors on a guy that will likely initially hit not so well? If you can't wait through age 25 and age 26 with 400+ AB's of potentially mediocre play, then maybe you give up. Personally I'd probably keep him around, especially given that he looks to be properly set up to give right handed pitchers fits.

#44166	01/21/2017 9:32:46 am
5L1NK Joined: 06/10/2015 Posts: 291 Farmington Hills Cardinals Legends	I'd have faith in Thacker. one of my 14 POTs was like that and look at him now. He didn't make it past AA and i took a leap of faith and he's Hit his potential with ease, given me a ROY, gold glove and 2 all star appearances so far.

#44169	01/21/2017 10:03:08 am
Tiger504 Joined: 06/17/2014 Posts: 1314 Kalamazoo Bloody Tigers III.4	Thanks guys!

#44213	01/22/2017 1:26:20 pm
Crazy Li Joined: 01/25/2015 Posts: 879 Inactive	To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't even try thinking about whether a guy like that is a bust or not until he's at least 25.