Missouri signs on ex-Central lefty Thies

An arm injury sidelined the former Tiger this past season.

John Thies missed virtually all of the 2005 baseball season because of an elbow injury that required surgery.

But that inactivity did not discourage the University of Missouri from continuing to recruit the former Cape Girardeau Central High School standout. Thies, a left-handed pitcher, recently signed a letter of intent with the Tigers.

"I'm really excited," Thies said. "Missouri has got a great program going, and it really helps my confidence that a big-time program still wants me even though I haven't really pitched all year."

After a strong freshman season at Meramec Community College in St. Louis County, Thies was selected in the 36th round of the 2004 amateur draft by Minnesota. The Twins did not attempt to immediately sign Thies but instead wanted to follow his progress during his sophomore campaign, after which the organization would still retain his rights until the 2005 draft.

But Thies never got the opportunity to shine for the Twins. In his first start this year, in early March, he broke the growth plate in his left elbow while throwing a pitch. His season was over, and he had surgery two weeks later.

"The doctor said it was a very uncommon injury," Thies said. "It was really disappointing, because I think the Twins wanted to sign me after the season, but after I got hurt, that fell through."

But the news was not all bad for Thies. MU, which had recruited him during his freshman season of junior college, stayed with the 2003 Central graduate and ultimately offered a scholarship.

"It's kind of cool, because it shows you they were really interested in the first place," Thies said. "They actually wanted me to go there after my freshman year, but I chose to stay at Meramac to try and go pro."

Thies said he expects to have no ill effects from the surgery. He'll have a pin removed in about two weeks, after which he will be able to begin a throwing program. He should be fully healthy by the start of the 2006 season.

"The doctor says I should be 100 percent," said Thies, who will have three years of eligibility at MU. "By September I should be able to throw full speed, meaning I'll be ready for fall practice, and I should be totally fine for the season."

Thies still has his eye on professional baseball, and he figures he'll get the proper training at MU, which has made three straight NCAA tournament appearances and last season had two pitchers drafted in the top five rounds. In addition, the Tigers' ace this year -- Max Scherzer -- is expected to be one of the top selections in the 2006 draft.

"They've had some great pitchers the last few years, and I think I'll really be able to improve a lot there," Thies said. "Their pitching coach has talked to me several times a week, and I'm real happy with how their coaching staff is. I'm just excited to be going there."