The Mets' Very Own Joe Mauer or the Curse of the Southpaw?

Josh Thole played most of the year behind the plate in Port St. Lucie and had been selected to the Florida State League mid–season and postseason All Star team. Thole is presently playing in the winter leagues and from what I have read thus far, his numbers in winter ball are likely to improve before I am done typing. Born: October 28, 1986—Now what do I remember most about October of '86. I forget. Drafted: 2005 player draft. 13th round, 389 overall. Vitals: Bats left, throws right. 82 point disparity between batting average and on base percentage. Struck out 38 times in 347 at bats, which means he puts the ball in play almost 90 percent of the time. Stats: St Lucie 2008: 111 games, .300 avg., 347 ABs, 49 R, 104 H, 25 2b, 2 3b, 5 HR, 56 RBI, 45 BBs, 2 SB, .427 SLG. AFL 2008: 16 games, .368 avg., 58 ABs, 15 R, 21 H, 1 2b, 2 HR, 15 RBI, and 1 stolen base for good measure. He only struck out four times in 58 at-bats. Did I mention that he has plate discipline?  ... (link)