For the purpose of our series of posts, we define the word fringe as any prospects, which we considered, that were absent from MMN’s own Top 40 Prospect lists. The purpose of the series is to identify prospects that are showing promise above what fans might expect and what their futures will hold within the Mets organization.
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Charley Thurber – OF
DOB: 12/28/1989
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
2013 Total Stats: .227/.301/.343, 38 Runs, 15 Doubles, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 25 BB, in 309 PA
2013 Review
Charley Thurber was drafted by the Mets in 2011 and has spent the last three seasons within the Mets organization. This past season he played with St. Lucie and made some progress from the previous season. Even though he played in 20 less games, which also included 82 less plate appearances, he did show some more pop in his bat and a better eye at the plate. He also struck out only 64 times compared to 109 in 2012. The outfielder did have a slow start in 2013 by batting only .194 from April to June, but from July to September, he heated up and hit .332, and took a step in the right direction by finishing up the season strong.
Prospect Outlook
Thurber is a hard worker that has put the time in to continue with his development. He isn’t the typical power hitting outfielder that most fans are used to seeing, but the one thing that stood out to me when I interviewed him a few months ago, is that he has a drive to be successful, which some may say he has heart. Now in pro baseball, heart can only go so far, talent does have to kick in, but he does have both. He made some strides from 2012 to 2013, which showed his maturity by working on the key areas in his game that will make him better. Also, by striking out less, he showed a better eye and patience at the plate.
2014 Prediction
Thurber has moved up through each level since he was signed in 2011. There is no reason why he shouldn’t be sent to AA Binghamton to start the 2014 season. The outfield shouldn’t be as crowded since Cory Vaughn and Cesar Puello should be moving up to AAA, which would open up an opportunity for Thurber to play more. He finished 2013 strong and the key will be how he performs in spring training and if he can continue where he left off. I feel that given the opportunity to play he will prove that he belongs and be an asset to the team. The skies the limit for him to reach his potential.
Prospects On The Fringe: