Brad Thompson

Although Thompson was 6-3, a 5.15 ERA and 1.41 WHIP aren't anything to write home about. His walk rate keeps things respectable, but his strikeout rate isn't good enough for him to sustain any success. If he's with the Cardinals again in 2009, he's likely to be used as a long reliever and spot starter for the third year in a row.

Thompson was unable to build on the promise he showed in his first two years in the league. Bouncing around from starter to reliever clearly took its toll on him last year as he was unable to establish any kind of effectiveness in either role. Thompson’s control is good (2.80 BB/9 in his career), but his strikeout rate is awful (3.69 last year, 4.26 for his career). Unless he improves his strikeout rate fast, he’s probably doomed to a life as a journeyman.

Thompson followed up his successful rookie campaign by being nearly unhittable over his first 16 appearances in 2006 (17.1 IP, 11 hits, and one run). Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in the middle of May, prompting a few trips down to Triple-A Memphis. He did right the ship with a strong September, finishing the year with a 3.34 ERA in 43 appearances. He should be a valuable member of the St. Louis pen in 2007, but his inconsistency could do him in unless he gets his strikeout rate up.

A converted starter, Thompson put together an impressive season in a relief (.227 BAA) in his first year with the Cardinals. He'll fill one of the righty roles out of the bullpen again in 2006.

Thompson threw 57 2/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Tennessee and earned a mid-June promotion to Triple-A Memphis. He didn't fare as well there, compiling a 5.52 ERA in three starts before going on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. He returned healthy to compete in his second-straight Arizona Fall League campaign, going 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in four games and 14 innings. Thompson uses a hard sinker and a slider and often keeps it around the plate, a rarity for pitches with such movement. His first professional season, he worked as a reliever. In 2004, he was a starter. It is unclear which will get him to the majors quicker, but it does look like he's headed for St. Louis in the next few years.