C's Insider: RHP Matt Thompson
Drafted out of the University of San Diego in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB first-year player draft, Thomson had a rough start to his professional career as a reliever, giving up eight earned runs in four innings out of the bullpen.
Since being converted to a starting pitcher, he has been exceptional to say the least. In his five starts, Thomson has given up one lone run, on twelve hits and two walks, in 19 innings. He has struck out 24 over that time, and opponents are hitting just .171.
But for him, it's not so much a mental factor if he's starting, or coming out of the bullpen.
"I don't know if the mindset has much to do with it," explained the big right-hander, "it was just becoming calmer when I got myself out there, and not so much bullpen versus starting as it was my comfort level with the league, and how comfortable I felt on the mound."
His stats as a starter have been worthy of All-Star consideration, and have lowered his season ERA to 3.52. Over his 23 innings pitched, 32 batters have been set down by strike outs.
The key to Thomson's success this season?
"My fastball. I'm trying to do my best to move it in and out on the plate. I try to get people to hit it, and then rely on my defense."
Getting to live out his childhood aspirations to play professional baseball is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Thomson, but growing up he knew the grind of the minor league life, as his father Doug played three seasons in the Angels and Twins organizations, respectively.
The fact his dad can come watch him play in Vancouver as well? It makes the whole experience that much better for the younger Thomson.
"It's great. He loves it up here in Canada. He came up once by himself, and then came back with a couple of his friends. He loves Vancouver and having played minor league baseball, he understands some of the stuff I've been through. He's really supportive, just like my mom and my sister and my brother as well. It's great to know they're behind me."
Growing up in Northern California, the team that would eventually draft Thomson was one of two he idolized as a child.
"It alternated between Oakland and San Francisco. Being from the Bay Area, it was always hard to choose but now after moving down to San Diego, anything from up there I'm proud of so I love them both. I was really happy. Being from that area, it should be fun. I know the A's have a really good track record of getting pitchers to the big leagues. I've watched them since I was really young, so I was excited."
Coming off of a 1-3 college campaign accompanied by a 3.38 ERA, Thomson wasn't the only San Diego Torero chosen by the A's in the 2010 draft, as teammate and current Canadian RHP A.J. Griffin was selected one round after Thomson to the same club.
"It's great," when asked about Griffin joining him with the C's, "you always want your friends to do well, and to be able to play with him a bit longer is a lot of fun."
His connection to the A's had a somewhat tie before he was drafted just a few months ago, because in his mind, the toughest hitter he has ever faced is the brother of current Stockton Ports SS Grant Green.
"Garett Green (of San Diego State University fame) is 3-3 off of me with two home runs. I don't know what the deal is but he seems to see the ball really well off of me."
The humble Thomson, who quietly picked up the Northwest League Pitcher of the Week award for July 12th to 18th, is no stranger to the country of Canada however, as his family heritage recently dates back to the 'Great White North'.
"I'm at least half-Canadian," he explained, "my mom is a Canadian citizen, she was born in Edmonton, and my dad's family is from Canada as well. We went to a family reunion up there from California to the prairies once, and it took us four days. It was something else."
On the Canadians 2010 roster, Thomson is currently the only player with direct Canadian blood in him, making him one of, if not the only half-Canadian currently playing affiliated baseball in Canada.
For now, Thomson is enjoying his first professional season, and relying on one motto to keep up his success on the mound.
"Pitch as well as I can. I want to pitch the way I think, and know I can. If I take it one game at a time, I'll be okay."