Q&A with Chad Thompson, RHP, El Toro HS, 525th overall, New York Yankees (2009 Draft)
By John Klima
June 26, 2009
Chad Thompson began the spring as one of the top high school right-handers on the Southern California watch list, but after a fast start and a pop in his elbow, that changed. The 6-7 Thompson underwent elbow ligament replacement (Tommy John) surgery on May 1, but still hoped to have shown enough that he could be drafted and undergo a professional rehabilitation stint.
The Yankees drafted Thompson (17th round, 525th overall) and will take the flyer that Thompson can follow the career path of former Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, who fell out of the first round in his draft, signed for a comparable amount, and began a road which led him to the major leagues.
Thompson’s not the first nor the last young pitcher to get the name of the former left-hander who was once known for 287 major league victories instead of a surgery that prolonged his career and now bears his name. Thompson knows his career isn’t over, but still, the setback was a disappointment. Baseball Beginnings caught up with him in May and talked about where he is and where he hopes to be.
