Former Buc Thornburg Named Top Ten Brewers Prospect

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former CSU baseball player Tyler Thornburg has been named a top ten prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers organization by Baseball America.    Thornburg was named the sixth best prospect overall and was the fourth ranked pitcher for the Brewers organization. 

Baseball America bases the rankings of each organization’s prospects on projections of a player’s long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  To be considered, players cannot have exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched.

“"We are very proud of Tyler's recognition in the Brewers organization,” said CSU head coach Stuart Lake.  “Tyler was a tireless worker in our program as both a player on the field and a student in the classroom, so his success is well earned."

In three seasons with the Buccaneers, Thornburg excelled on the mound with a 9-8 record and 123 strikeouts.  The Atlanta, Ga., native recorded just 58 walks during his career.  Thornburg was also a force to be reckoned with at the plate, hitting .292 with 12 home runs, 16 doubles and a triple in 2009 alone.  He earned All-Big South accolades and was also named a College Baseball Foundation National All-Star. 

The Brewers selected Thornburg in the third round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Amateur draft, making him the 96th overall pick.  Thornburg was assigned to Helena Brewers of the Pioneer League.  In 2010 he pitched saw action in 9 games, pitching 23.1 innings where he earned a win, a save and an ERA of 1.93.  He gave up just 15 hits and six runs, with 38 strikeouts.