Brad Thomas

For other people named Bradley Thomas, see Bradley Thomas (disambiguation).

Brad Thomas
Free agent – No. 36
Pitcher
Born: October 12, 1977 (1977-10-12) Sydney, Australia
Bats: Left	Throws: Left
MLB debut
May 26, 2001 for the Minnesota Twins
Career statistics (through May 31, 2011)
Win–loss record	6–2
Earned run average	2.80
Strikeouts	145
Teams
Minnesota Twins (2001, 2003–2004) Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (2005–2006) (NPB) Hanwha Eagles (2008–2009) (KBO) Detroit Tigers (2010–2011)

Bradley Richard Thomas (born October 22, 1977 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian professional baseball pitcher that is currently a free agent. He has previously played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and in the Korean Baseball Organization for the Hanwha Eagles. He bats and throws left-handed.

Thomas signed as an undrafted free agent in 1995 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers released him on May 9, 1997, due to visa issues with the government, and three days later, he signed with the Minnesota Twins. Thomas became the #1 pitching prospect with the Twins from 1998 to 2004. Thomas was a 4-time All-Star in the minor leagues and a World All-Star (2001 Futures Game). Thomas played in the majors with the Twins between 2001 and 2004 appearing in 101 games. Thomas was traded to the World Champion Boston Red Sox in 2004. In 2005, Thomas signed with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan. Thomas played for them from 2005-2006, appearing in 119 games as a relief pitcher. Compiling a 2.9 ERA over 2 seasons. Thomas was a member of the 2006 Japan Series and Asian Series Champions, Nippon Ham Fighters. Thomas holds the record for a 156 km/h (97 mph) fastball from a left-hander in Japan.

Thomas signed with the Seattle Mariners for the 2007 season.

In 2008, Thomas signed with the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization. During his two years in the KBO league, he had 44 saves with a 5–1 record and a 2.06 ERA as the closer for the Eagles. He owns the KBO single season (120 Games) record for Saves, with 33 in 2008.

Thomas signed a major league contract with the Detroit Tigers on December 7, 2009. He spent the entire 2010 season pitching out of the Tigers bullpen, compiling a 6–2 record with a 3.89 ERA in 69-1/3 innings. He made 2 spot starts for Detroit vs Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.

In 2011, Thomas started the season once again as a regular in Detroit Tigers strong Bullpen. After coming off a great spring training, he was placed on the 15 day disabled list on May 11, with minor left elbow inflammation. On July 25, 2011, Thomas was placed on the 60-day disabled list, where he finished the season with the American League runner ups.

International career

Thomas was a member of the Australian National Team, having competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and also Baseball World Cups. At the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Thomas was a closing pitcher for Team Australia.

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• KBO career statistics and player information from Koreabaseball