In one, embodiment, a top drive system (200) includes a quill (214); a motor (201) operable to rotate the quill; a gripper (275) operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector (300) bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and- the quill.