Rich Thompson #24

Full name is Richard Charles Thompson. **Acquired:** Selected by Padres from Pirates in Rule 5 Draft, Dec. 15, 2003. Traded by Padres to Royals for RHP Jason Szuminski and cash, Dec. 15, 2003.

2003

Split the season between the Toronto and Pittsburgh  organizations, playing for 3 different clubs...combined to hit  .293 (118-for-403) with 10 doubles, 4 triples, 27 RBI and 69  runs scored in 112 games between New Haven (Toronto AA),  Syracuse (AAA) and Nashville (Pittsburgh AAA).

Was promoted to Syracuse on June 8...hit .406 (13-for-32) in  his 1st 9 games with the SkyChiefs...went 4-for-31 (.129) in  his next 8 International League contests.

Was acquired by Pittsburgh on July 8 and assigned to  Nashville...recorded a season-high 4 hits on July 22 at  Oklahoma.  Combined to bat .345 (37-for-107) off southpaws...totaled  47 appearances in center field, 36 in left field and 7 in right  field...also made 16 appearances as a DH.  Hit .346 (36-for-104) for the Mesa Desert Dogs during the  Arizona Fall Leagueb&led the AZFL with 13 stolen bases.

Minor League Notes
His 4-year minor league totals include a .287 average, 46  doubles, 20 triples, 4 HRs, 161 RBI and 165 SB.

Has been successful on 80 percent (165-for-205) of his stolen  base attempts.

Spent the 2002 season at Tennessee (AA)...led the Southern League  in runs and at bats and ranked 2nd in games, hits and stolen bases.

Spent the majority of the 2001 season at Dunedin (A)  ...combined to hit .304 (154-for-507) with 1 home run, 44  stolen bases and 95 runs in 129 games with Dunedin and  Syracuse.

Named Dunedin's MVP...ranked 2nd in the Florida State League  in batting, runs and stolen bases and 4th in hits and triples.

Made his professional debut in 2000 with Queens (Rookie  Advanced) after being selected by Toronto in the 6th round  of the June draft...finished 5th in the New York-Penn League  in stolen bases and walks.

2004