Tony Thompson, Big-12 Player of the Year? I’ll let the numbers do the talking.

17 Homeruns, leads conference. Tied for second most homers in a single season in KU history with Russ Blaylock (1981). One short of KU all-time single season record of 18 held by Travis Metcalf.

71 RBIs, leads conference by 10! Tied for second most single season RBIs in KU history with Darryl Monroe (1994). Josh Kliner (1996) has the record with 85.

Tony plays plus defense at the most difficult position in college baseball, third base.

Tony hits fifth in a line-up that does not stand out by Big-12 standards.  KU scores 7.3 runs per game, 0.3 above the conference average.  Normally monster RBI numbers like Tony’s come from guys hitting 3rd or 4th in a hyper-powered line-up such as Oklahoma's. Tony also has worked with less "protection" than most. Casey Lytle hits behind him most games, and while Lytle hits for good average, he is far from beastly.

Tony is having an amazing year. Maybe the best offensive year ever seen in Lawrence.

A few other numbers to toss around.

20 doubles puts him in second place in the conference by one.
75 hits also puts him in second by one.
146 total bases leads the Big-12 by 14!

How does Tony stack up with other players in the running?

In my eyes the only thing that will keep Tony from winning player of the year is KU's position in the final standings. If KU finishes above Oklahoma I think Tony will get the honor. If OU finishes ahead of KU, J.T. Wise will be the favorite. If KSU wins next weekend's series with KU then Carter Jurica (KSU) will be a dark horse candidate.  Greg Folgia can't be written off, especially if MU holds on to 2nd place in the conference. UT won the conference but they have no viable candidate for POY.

If you are still gettng to know Tony and wondering who this guy is, here is a profile published a couple of months back.  It is worth a click.