Here is a look back at the Mud Hens’ 2011 team, player by player, focusing on players who spent a majority of the season in Toledo. The “numbers” and “notes” are facts; the “analysis” and “crystal ball” are thoughts and feelings. So here we go …
BY THE NUMBERS: Last season Thorman hit. 240 in 109 games, finishing with 13 home runs and 58 RBIs as well as 41 runs scored. He had 27 walks and 80 strikeouts while stealing nine bases.
NOTES AND LEADERS: Thorman finished second on the team in both home runs and RBIs and was fifth in runs scored. His home run total was his lowest as a minor leaguer since 2003, while his steal total was a single-season career high.
ANALYSIS: Thorman’s season split into two halves offensively. Before the All-Star Break he hit just .223 and struck out 58 times but also had 12 home runs and 43 RBIs; after the break he batted .282 but had only one home run and 15 RBIs. Thorman saw most of his action as a DH and struggled with that role, batting just .231 with three home runs in 147 at-bats. He did show some versatility by playing in the outfield for 31 games.
THE CRYSTAL BALL: Thorman will turn 30 in January, and there probably isn’t a role for him in Toledo next season. Ryan Strieby will see most of the action at first base, and there is a glut of outfielders on the roster as well. Thorman’s quiet leadership and hustle will make him a valuable addition to some team’s Triple-A roster this coming season.
Click here to read a report on all of the Mud Hens -- from Below to Worth -- from 2011, assessing the season each player had as well as their future.
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