tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76494878132435214092024-03-13T15:22:30.645-04:00Minor MattersRun by The Trentonian's Nick Peruffo, this blog will provide daily multimedia coverage of the Trenton Thunder.nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.comBlogger1576125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-59064121556829379732015-04-11T15:00:00.002-04:002015-04-11T16:40:50.851-04:00GAME 1: Believe the hype?The length of the baseball season makes fools of us all, but it was hard not to get excited about the Thunder's 15-2 opening day win over the Erie SeaWolves.<br />
<br />
<b>THREE THINGS TO LIKE</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Aaron Judge: </b>The Thunder's tight end in the outfield didn't waste any time showing why he arrived in Trenton as the most hyped player in the Yankees organization. Judge went 2-for-6 on the day with 3 RBI, icluding this shot off lefty Omar Duran in the 7th:<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://www.milb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=68070683&width=400&height=224&property=milb" width="400"></iframe>
<br />
<b>2: Jake Cave: </b>The line speaks for itself: 4-for-6 with a home run, a stolen base, 2 runs and 2 RBI.<br />
<br />
<b>3: Lineup depth:</b> All nine Thunder starters recorded a hit in the game, with seven reaching base multiple times. In box score form it looks like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCFyGkY3Qas/VSl0bkuUY5I/AAAAAAAAAhM/VL7Z5cfzoak/s1600/Capture1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCFyGkY3Qas/VSl0bkuUY5I/AAAAAAAAAhM/VL7Z5cfzoak/s1600/Capture1.PNG" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Bonus: Twitter reaction</b></div>
<br />
Mason Williams seems to be in a good place after going 1-for-4 with an RBI and a walk.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Good morning! š<br />
ā Mason Williams (@MjordanW9) <a href="https://twitter.com/MjordanW9/status/586879467911569409">April 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<br />
Despite his big day, Cave seems to have other issues on his mind. My vote is Game of Thrones.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Should i start watching Game of Thrones or House of Cards?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asktwitter?src=hash">#asktwitter</a><br />
ā Jake Cave (@JakeCave8) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeCave8/status/586887897552441344">April 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
<br />
<b>Concerns: Miguel Sulbaran</b><br />
<br />
It's hard to find much at fault after such an emphatic win, but Sulbaran probably wishes his Thunder debut went a little bit better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsfsMHWiTmk/VSl27d-VbuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/lx0g4lK7bKE/s1600/Capture2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsfsMHWiTmk/VSl27d-VbuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/lx0g4lK7bKE/s1600/Capture2.PNG" height="148" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-12359539673834676252015-04-08T14:39:00.002-04:002015-04-08T14:39:40.256-04:00Media day, in pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtQtV2h8-mQ/VSV0Gam2hgI/AAAAAAAAAfs/K6u4KMuJxQo/s1600/14802701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtQtV2h8-mQ/VSV0Gam2hgI/AAAAAAAAAfs/K6u4KMuJxQo/s1600/14802701.jpg" height="640" width="570" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Greg Bird (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtjwdUMS_kk/VSV0A8Aj24I/AAAAAAAAAfk/2DbEYw2s-fs/s1600/14802677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtjwdUMS_kk/VSV0A8Aj24I/AAAAAAAAAfk/2DbEYw2s-fs/s1600/14802677.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOjTTFTvdro/VSV0H5dbOYI/AAAAAAAAAf8/SSabjFENqjM/s1600/14802753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOjTTFTvdro/VSV0H5dbOYI/AAAAAAAAAf8/SSabjFENqjM/s1600/14802753.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jake Cave (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6E9tt8gFcM/VSV0G59okvI/AAAAAAAAAfw/F80279qwsRg/s1600/14802777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6E9tt8gFcM/VSV0G59okvI/AAAAAAAAAfw/F80279qwsRg/s1600/14802777.jpg" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Taylor Garrison (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGQLzoJ4m4o/VSV0K3HgI7I/AAAAAAAAAgE/AvczhVOSWdQ/s1600/14802791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGQLzoJ4m4o/VSV0K3HgI7I/AAAAAAAAAgE/AvczhVOSWdQ/s1600/14802791.jpg" height="566" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMzVWWFCMQ/VSV0LT6zRuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/VgA0VQeTbBg/s1600/14802795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMMzVWWFCMQ/VSV0LT6zRuI/AAAAAAAAAgI/VgA0VQeTbBg/s1600/14802795.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Eric Jagielo (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CnW5xxACBo/VSV0OZvrUZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/O5oSlWUxxpc/s1600/14802800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CnW5xxACBo/VSV0OZvrUZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/O5oSlWUxxpc/s1600/14802800.jpg" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Aaron Judge (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aja3RcOxL9k/VSV0Q4nAedI/AAAAAAAAAgc/KCmCOHdZ8d4/s1600/14802831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aja3RcOxL9k/VSV0Q4nAedI/AAAAAAAAAgc/KCmCOHdZ8d4/s1600/14802831.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Al Pedrique (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN_E3ImE890/VSV0RKarMVI/AAAAAAAAAgg/G44gwLb-64o/s1600/14802835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qN_E3ImE890/VSV0RKarMVI/AAAAAAAAAgg/G44gwLb-64o/s1600/14802835.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mason Williams (JACKIE SHEAR - TRENTONIAN PHOTO)</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-15447519869751219302015-04-07T14:56:00.001-04:002015-04-07T15:06:22.935-04:00MEDIA DAY: Al Pedrique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSU2fuKsNFY/VSQqVELGPbI/AAAAAAAAAfM/QW5T4f_oe-s/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSU2fuKsNFY/VSQqVELGPbI/AAAAAAAAAfM/QW5T4f_oe-s/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(1).jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Al Pedrique</span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Opening statement...</b><br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>After a long spring training, hopefully everybody is ready
to go. Our goal is to stay healthy, so we are very happy and excited to be
here.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On managing current Thunder players in Charleston and Tampa...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Iāve had some of these kids for the last two years, so it
should be fun. They know where Iām coming from and I know where they are coming
from. We are very familiar with each other, so I think the process of what has
to be done on the field should be a lot easier, not forgetting the fact that
there is still room for improvement. A lot of these guysā¦we have a lot of
expectations for everybody on this team. As a coaching staff, I think
everything should be done the right way.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On if that familiarity is helpful...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>It is, especially the last two years. I feel that we have a
bunch of good kids, a very special group. Knowing them and them knowing me is
going to be a lot easier. They feel comfortable with everything that I do
around the game, so that should be an advantage right away, even though they
know that we still have to go out there and respect the game and respect the
organization and do things the right way.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On the balance of winning vs. development...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We know they have to develop, but
as major league players they have to understand, and Iām sure they will, that
winning is a big part of it. Especially in Double-A, you see a lot of guys
going to the big leagues from the Double-A level. It makes a huge impact for
the player to understand, hey, you are in Double-A, we want you to get better,
but you need to learn how to play the game the right way and how to do the
little things to help the team win. Not only here in Double-A, hopefully some
of the guys will get a call up during the season and they will be ready to help
the Yankees win games.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On how his big league experience will be beneficial...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We know for a fact that some mistakes are going to be made.
The physical ones are part of the game. Itās the mental ones that we
concentrate on real hard, just to make sure that they learn from those mental
mistakes. At higher levels, especially in the big league, you cannot afford to
make mental mistakes. We know there are some guys who are going to be in the
lineup every day, and some guys their role is going to be as a backup, but
everybody is going to be part of the team and everybody is going to be ready.
Again, we are here to get them better and hopefully ready for the big leagues.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I think the key is preparation. They have to understand that
itās a day-in, day-out competition. The pressure that you are playing in front
of big crowds, and just the fact that they need to prepare the right way. If
they donāt they are going to struggle. I donāt care what level you are playing at.
For me, my job is to share my experience that I have from playing and managing
a little bit at the big leagues. In order to be successful, you have to prepare
day-in and day-out at that level.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Aaron Judge...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>From Judge, you are going to see a kid that plays hard. For
his size, as a big guy, he runs well. Heās a lot better in the outfield, and heās
been working on his defense very hard the whole spring. There are some things
that he needs to work on offensively. He has a lot of power potential. He can
hit the ball out of the park anywhere, and is a gap-to-gap power hitter. He
just needs to keep working on his patience and discipline at the plate. He has
a tendency to chase some breaking stuff out of the strikezone, but thatās
normal for a young guy. Defense is going to be the main goal for him to work on
to get better.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On if Judge will see more breaking balls at Double-A...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He will, and he knows that. Coach PJ (Pilettere) has been working very
hard with him about pitch recognition. We are not concerned on that matter. Itās
more about playing time and repetition and feeling comfortable that heās smart
enough to make some adjustments. Hopefully heāll have a good start right away.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Jake Cave...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Cave is one of the kids that have been working very hard on
his defense. In center field there have been some balls that have gone over his
head. Over at third base Jagielo has a chance to be a good third baseman with a
lot of power. We have Cito Culver at shortstop, and heās down a great job for
the whole spring. I think from the top to the bottom, position player-wise, we
have some good names and kids that have a chance to end up in the big leagues.
Now it is going to be up to them to come out and get ready day-in and day-out.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Greg Bird...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Heās going to be fine. Heās a very smart kid for his age. I
had Bird last two years in Charleston and Tampa, and his approach at the plate
is outstanding. Iāve seen few guys throughout my career, particularly in the
minor leagues, with that kind of plate discipline. He has a good idea every
time he goes to the plate. He has a plan. It is hard to see in a young hitter
what Bird does on a daily basis offensively. Defensively he is getting a lot
better. Heās moving laterally so much better. He has more confidence, so I
think we are ready for Bird to have a good year.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Gary Sanchez...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We know that Sanchez can catch. We know that heās going to
hit, with a lot of power. One thing I noticed with Sanchez throughout the
spring was his makeup. He worked very, very hard. Heās working and
communicating with the pitchers much better. Heās trying to take charge of the
pitching staff, and thatās something heās worked on all spring. Its something
that I will need to stay on top of him about, that what is going to get him to
the big leagues is his defense. His offense we know is going to be there, but
he needs to trust and earn the trust of the pitching staff. Thatās one thing heās
been working on. Iām surprised with what I saw from Sanchez spring training,
and I was very impressed. We are hoping heās going to carry that into the
season. Who knows, maybe we wonāt have him for to long.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On managing expectations...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>To make sure they stay humble. I keep telling them, itās
easy to get to high and this game can hurt you in a hurry. Thatās my job, to
make sure they stay humble. We know on paper we have a good team. We have a lot
of prospects, but still we have to go out there and prepare the right way. We
donāt take anything for granted, and at a young age thatās easy to do. My job
and my priority is to prepare the team the right way and make sure they donāt
take this game for granted.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>In 34 for years in baseball, I donāt think so. I told them,
and will remind them today in our team meeting, this group is special.
Everyone, all 25 guys, have a chance to end up in the big leagues. Hopefully
everybody will be with the Yankees, but its hard. Thatās one thing that I am
going to remind them. We know we are going to get a lot of attention from the
fans and the media, but we still have to come out to the park and prepare the
right way. We have to have some fun and play hard.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On the pitch clock...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Thatās one thing that we work on during spring training. We had
a couple meetings in spring training where we talked to the pitchers and the
hitters about it. During the spring we didnāt see any issues, even in the minor
leagues, because we know for a fact its going to be used in Double-A and
Triple-A. We talked to the kids quite a bit on a daily basis. When we were on
the field we didnāt even think about the clock. It became natural, so Iām
assuming it will be the same when the season starts.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Eric Jagielo...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Heās been working hard on his defense, especially the
routine plays, not taking too much time to make the throws, He needs to be
quick with his footwork. The hands will get better. I think if he gets under
control and heās set up early, I donāt think heāll have any problems. I think
the arm strength is going to be there. Heās been working with our wright program
and playing long toss, so I think his strength will increase. Offensively, like
I said earlier, he has a lot of power to all fields and stays inside the ball
real well. Iām sure that heās worried a little bit about the inside pitch, but
thatās something P.J. can talk to you guys a little more about. Overall, I
think he has a good chance to be a big league player.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On a Jagielo/Bichette platoon...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The DH will come from Jagielo and Bichette. We are going to
platoon those two players at third base and DH. Bird, when he needs a day off,
will DH as well. Going back to Bichette and Jagielo, the plan is maybe 5-2, 4-3
all depends on how the season is developing. The plan is for Jagielo to play
more at third.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Arcia/Bichette at first...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Arcia will play some first, and we have Bichette also with
that group. He worked in spring training taking ground balls there and played
two games, looking very comfortable. That will also give Bichette a chance for
more at-bats.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Bichette...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>He needs to be consistent with his preparation, day-in and
day-out. Maintain his hitting plan, and in my opinion not change so much at the
plate with every pitch. Trust the plan and stay with it, and the result will be
there. Defensive he needs to work on making the routine play. We know that he
has good hands and good eyes at third base, but he needs to be consistent with the
routine play.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>More on Cave...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I see a kid with more confidence. He knows now that he is on
the map. There was a lot of conversation with him at big league camp, and heās
taken that to his advantage where he can play at a higher level. He trusts
himself more, and in center field heās gotten so much better. Offensively he is
going to strike out a lot, which is not a concern because he is very
aggressive. Heās got some power, but Iām impressed with his work habits. He
knows that he needs to prepare every day the same way. Heās maturing a lot as a
player.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Luis Severino</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We expect from Severino to keep working on his development
as a player. Trust himself, trust hi fastball. This spring he threw the ball
really well. Heās a young guy, his first time at Double-A. I had him last year
a little bit, and I had him in Charleston a little bit. There is no doubt that
he can be a No. 1 star for any organization. We are going to go slow just to
make sure that he is developing the right way. Make sure he understands what it
takes to be successful. Thatās another kid that we are going to make sure he
stays humble. He opened some eyes in the big league camp, so our pitching coach
Jose Rosado, thatās thatās going to be his job to make sure he stays humble and
keeps working on his preparation. Iām sure heāll be fine.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On how Severino has improved...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I think command-wise he is throwing the ball much better. He
is working the ball down in the zone with better command. Heās throwing every
pitch with a purpose, and now heās stiking with a plan. Last year he overthrew
some fastballs, and he was working too hard to try to show people he was ready
for the next level. He put a lot of pressure on himself, and fought with
himself on the mound. Now, you see he has a lot of confidence and is more
relaxed. He knows he needs to use his fastball and trust his fastball. His
second pitch, his slider, is outstanding, and the changeup. The one thing that
really opened my eyes about Severino this spring was the maturity that he
showed and the composure he showed on the mound.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Camarena/Pazos injuries...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>With Camarena, it all depends on how he comes back from his
injury. Heās had some elbow soreness. At the time we left he was feeling a lot
better, but Iām sure they are going to go slow with him to make sure that when
he is ready to come up here he is 100 percent. Pazos is the same thing. Basically,
they are on the same plan.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Castillo/Nuding still being in Tampa...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>They are back in Tampa. Castillo got hurt, if I am not
mistaken, three or four days before we broke camp. He dove for a ball ant
second base and landed on his middle finger and got a small fracture. It is
going to take a couple weeks, who knows, but we are hoping that he gets here
soon. Heāll be up here when he is ready. Nuding is the same way. Itās a process
that we are going to have to be carefull with.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On what Cave needs to improve...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>His arm-strength and his throwing mechanics in the outfield.
He needs to be shorter. Thatās something that heās working on during warmups,
just to make sure heās taying on top of the ball. Defensively needs to stay
focused throughout 27 outs. We know he has a tendency when he is not hitting
the ball well to take it to his defense, but I have to give him credit. Heās
done so much better throughout the spring. He was leaving the offense in the
dugout and going out and playing some good defense this spring. Thatās
something that he needs to understand. When you are not hitting you still need
to go out there and play defense and help the team.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Jagielo's defense...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I think he improved a lot on his defense. Carlos Mendoza,
the infield coordinator, worked with him real hard early in camp. He showed up
in great shape.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-38756164636401122132015-03-27T16:22:00.000-04:002015-03-27T16:22:18.079-04:00GIFs that keep on giving: Slade Heathcott busts out Cotton-Eyed JoeNo further comment needed. <br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
If it hadn't been for Cotton Eyed Joe ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringTraining?src=hash">#SpringTraining</a> <a href="http://t.co/0s50BDfHfq">pic.twitter.com/0s50BDfHfq</a><br />
ā MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBGIFs/status/579798669551005697">March 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-18412659504526316992015-01-12T11:56:00.001-05:002015-01-12T11:56:38.858-05:00Franklin to assume role as roving evaluator
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Nick Peruffo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
nperuffo@trentonian.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of last season, Tony Franklin said he was not
done in baseball.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the longtime Thunder manager wonāt be returning to
Trenton, he will indeed be spending plenty of time at ballparks in 2015.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Franklin, 64, will be staying with the Yankees organization
is a role he characterized as a āroving evaluatorā, though his specific title
has not yet been finalized. In essence, heāll travel around the system ā particularly
the lower affiliates ā imparting his 40-plus years of baseball experience on
both players and younger managers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
āIām extremely happy,ā said Franklin via telephone Monday
morning. āItās given me some renewed energy.ā</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Franklin, he was approached for the new role by
Gary Denbo, the Yankeesā vice president of player development, who wanted more
experience around the lower levels of the system. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
āGary asked me to do something for him,ā Franklin said. āIt
was an honor for me that he askedā¦Iām very happy he thought enough of me to do
that.ā</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Franklin also added that the decision was one of āmutual
consent.ā</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Thursday, the Thunder announced that Al Pedrique would be
taking over for Franklin as manager in 2015. Franklin spent eight seasons as
Thunder skipper, winning three Eastern League titles in five championship
series appearances and becoming the leagueās all-time winningest manager.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Franklin had nothing but positive words to describe his time
in Trenton, praising both the organization and the fans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
āI am going to miss Trenton so much,ā he said. āA couple
days (after the decision) I got a little choked upā¦It was the best eight years
Iāve spent in baseball.ā</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pedrique, a native of Venezuela, managed High-A Tampa in
2014 and Low-A Charleston in 2013. He played parts of three major league
seasons with the Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers, and has big
league managerial experience as well. He was the interim manager for the
Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, and spent 2010-12 as a bench coach for the
Houston Astros.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
āVery good baseball man, and a very good person as well,ā
Franklin said of Pedrique. āAl is going to be a tremendous asset. He does it
the right way.ā</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As previously reported, Pedrique will be joined by pitching
coach Jose Rosado, hitting coach P.J. Pilittere, defensive coach Michel
Hernandez, trainer Lee Meyer and strength coach Orlando Crance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Franklin wonāt be with the Thunder every day, he
probably has not set foot in Arm & Hammer Park for the final time. He said
that he expects his new role to bring him north to Trenton (and Triple-A
Scranton Wilkes-Barre) at least once this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
āI canāt wait to come back.ā</div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-29049875083374594062014-08-19T22:50:00.000-04:002014-08-19T22:50:59.338-04:00Brian Cashman 8/18
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Luis Severino:</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heās got a big arm and a real special change up thatās
impressive, especially at that age of 20.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Jacob Lindgren: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As advertised. Ground balls and strikeouts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Nick Goody/Danny Burawa: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They have good arms. You want to get a collection of guys,
as many as you can, with some power. Goody is coming back from his injury a
year ago, and was putting up some serious numbers in Tampa. Heās working his
way back and has a good arm, so we have some hope for him. Burawa has a big arm
and a wipeout slider, so its just about commanding it. Weāve seen that before
with a guy like Dellin Betances. Itās trying to harness that physicality and
channel it, and we are hoping that down the line all those pieces fall into
place eventually. You keep coaching it and playing it, and in some of the cases
it clicks in. When it does, its real special.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On bullpen being a strength of the system: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weāve got some arms, no doubt about it. We had Webb here,
and now heās at Triple-A. Rumbelow is at Triple-A. These guys are pretty
interesting characters in themselves, and we have some guys who could be moving
up to Triple-A soon enough. I think a lot of the guys that you are seeing that
have been here or are currently here, you have a chance to see as early as next
year, and in some cases you can never rule anything out. We do have some left
and right side arms that get asked a lot about, and that Iād certainly ask
about a lot. I came down here to see some of those guys a lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Thunder position players: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think there are a number of them that stand out. We have a
lot of guys here that have some ability. I think there are a number of players
on this roster that will play in the big leagues, not just on the pitching side
but on the position player side too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Mark Montgomery: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He used to have much bigger velocity, and now its settling
at a lower level. He still has the performance behind it, its just not the
power stuff it was before. Heās still someone thatās on our radar.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Mason Williams: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heās obviously still fighting through his year offensively.
On the defensive side heās pretty special, but I know that there is a lot of
plus developments in his game at the same time. I met with Tony before the game
and got the rundown, and heās certainly growing in the right direction, from
what Iāve been told. Heās got a lot of athletic ability. Kind of like how we
talked about Danny Burawa earlier. Hes got some physical tools that are above
and beyond some other peoplesā, so you are going to keep playing it out there
until it all clicks in. When it does, it doesnāt garuntee it will eventually,
but for those that have the physical ability, you keep giving them the
opportunity to play and grow and learn and when it all kicks in and you have
that physicality it can come really quick. Heās still developing, and sometimes
you just have to wait on it.</div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-17223502853007994132014-07-15T21:25:00.001-04:002014-07-15T21:25:42.367-04:00Severino to Thunder
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right-handed starter Luis Severino was promoted from High-A
Tampa to the Thunder Tuesday afternoon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 20-year old Dominican native has seen his stock rise as
quickly as any in the Yankees organization this year. After starting the season
with Low-A Charleston, he was promoted to Tampa in late June, posting a 1.31
ERA in four starts at that level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Severino also impressed as one of the two Yankees
representatives at the MLB Futures Game in Minneapolis. He didnāt allow a run
in his one inning of work, striking out top Texas Rangers prospect Joey Gallo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The news was first reported by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Baseball Americaās </i>Josh Norris.</div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-55724132567106317682014-07-02T22:40:00.001-04:002014-07-02T22:40:28.098-04:00Sabathia's rehab<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/0e11gx" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/15n3zn" width="420"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/r17dsn" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-14418242727557985042014-06-11T20:33:00.003-04:002014-06-11T20:33:52.794-04:00The Francisco Cervelli Thunder experience: Day 1<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/at31ca" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/f4oy06" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/ay82k5" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/nfab4h" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/5mdkeb" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/4htqch" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-48653556603314546462014-06-08T11:25:00.001-04:002014-06-08T11:25:34.979-04:00The Shawn Kelley experience<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/qi7bmh" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/6kx19l" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/5q6rnj" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-27176358178096214112014-05-22T16:02:00.000-04:002014-05-22T16:02:39.737-04:00Peter O'Brien's home runs - a visual historyAs many of you surely know, Peter O'Brien hit seven home runs in his first 10 games with the Thunder. I have captured four of them on video. Enjoy:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/te7iof" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/pqoqvu" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/vswas7" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/7g8r2f" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-88822061825416301642014-05-16T16:13:00.002-04:002014-05-16T16:13:45.861-04:00A conversation with Trey Hillman
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<i>Before Bryan Mitchell's start Wednesday, I had a chance to catch up with former Kansas City Royals and Hokkaido-Nippon Ham Fighters manager Trey Hillman, who is now a special assistant with the Yankees. The topic du jour was Tommy John.</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>On the pitching philosophy in Japan:</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was uncomfortable with the number of pitches over there. I
was uncomfortable with the pitch count for bullpens. I was uncomfortable with
the fact that they didnāt really care about or monitored how many days bullpen
guys threw. Their philosophy is, if its not broke, donāt fix it. Keep throwing
them, because at some point in time pitchers are going to break. Thatās true to
a certain degree, but I just think there is differences in everybodies body
chemistry. I think there are freaks of nature like the Nolan Ryanās of the
world, to do what he did at the advanced age and for the length of time. I
think it goes to mechanics and body chemistry. Their mentality over there is
throw, throw, throw, throw as much as you can, and I think that shortens the
lifespan overall of the pitcher. I think the way we monitor arms with the New
York Yankees is a much wiser approach.</div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On prevalence of Tommy John surgury: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you have that much arm speed, you run the risk of doing
that. Guys that through 96 or 97 miles per hour run the risk of popping of that
thing. With the blessing of arm speed can also come the curse of having to
monitor how much of that arm speed you use.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On if organizations need to take a new approach to limit injuries: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iād agree with that, but give me an era where we donāt have
to adjust. Thatās why its such a great game, and Iām not saying the other
sports donāt have to adapt and adjust either, but look at how weāve had to
adapt and adjust this year at the major league level because of replay. The way
that things are happening with replay now at the major leagues is affecting our
minor league instructors and development with the way that we teach. We want to
make sure that at the start of the year, you had to show them the exchange, no
more misdirection. Now with replay, you want to stay with the tag. You actually
do want to stay with the runner, no ghost tags. So, is it changing? Yeah, I
think its changing. Is there going to be something else 10 years from now. I
think so. Ten years ago, the cutter wasnāt a big pitch and now its huge. Who is
to say that 10 years from now, there wonāt be the slimmer thatās legal. I donāt
know what we are going to call it, but there is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>good chance there is going to be another new pitch. Supposedly,
Matsuzaka brought over the gyro. I think its always going to be that way, where
we have to adjust and rethink the way we train our athletes. I think you have
to think about that all the time, and keep adjusting and adapting, and
hopefully we come up with thr right equation to take care of the different body
types and the different chemistries of those body types to stay within their
strengths and hopefully they donāt over-torque these guys. Teach them how to
monitor it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On the use of science: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The organization and people Iāve been blessed to work with
here and abroad, you always felt like they were doing their due diligence and
everything they to their capability and availability to make sure you were
taking care of the athlete and monitoring the athlete. I donāt think you can
ever do enough. I donāt know if there is anything with blood tests relative to
torque or torque strength or arm speed or fastball velocity. I donāt know. I
think you have to be wise with the number of reps, and the harder a guy throws,
I think a red flag has to go up and you have to say, hey, this guy puts an
unusual amount of torque on his elbow. I donāt think you can always point the
finger and say he wasnāt handled the right way. Sometimes people break, and
that goes more to the Japanese throught process. If you are going to abuse your
bodyā¦first of all, in my opinion, the way god developed the arm, it works much
more efficiently underneath than up top. This puts strain. This does not.
Thatās just the way god developed our bodies. If you are constantly going to do
something up here, and for whatever that reason god blessed you with the
ability to go from A to release with accuracy and speed and torque, something
has to take the damage. Thatās the elbow, or the shoulder, If you torque it,
something is going to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On the unnatural act of throwing a baseball: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
We get used to it because these guys are such good athletes, and we get used to
the visually of it. We āoh, nice throw. Good arm speed.ā These are the things
we look for in the development and scouting world, but I donāt think weāll ever
find exactly the right combination to that equation of how do we protect <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>arm. Heās 5-foot-11. How do we
protect <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>arm, heās 6-4. Well, heās
got a shorter arm arc. Well, the little guy has a longer arm arc but uses his
levers better. Heās in line, heās out of line. Iāve seen guys that throw across
their body that never break. Mechanically, they should. Something should go. I
think that goes back to body chemistry and strength of the muscle groups that
need to compensate for that unusual action thatās out of line. I donāt have the
answer and I donāt think anybody does, but that is the great thing about the
game. We have to keep trying to find it so you can protect your investments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-70618991736671327092014-05-11T00:46:00.002-04:002014-05-11T00:46:59.950-04:00O'Brien's first Double-A home run<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/te7iof" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-48321416598272749642014-05-09T23:43:00.001-04:002014-05-09T23:43:12.898-04:00Tony Clark reminisces about time in Trenton<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/zltm9i" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-30512508315705773772014-05-03T12:39:00.000-04:002014-05-03T12:39:07.248-04:00Brendan Ryan's night at the plate<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/rkgz5e"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/1el43i"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/y2utya"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/nfehxz"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-46627626501817703262014-05-02T18:31:00.000-04:002014-05-02T18:31:00.845-04:00Brendan Ryan rehab<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/brjyfl"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/c98oqu" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/qtv518" width="420"></iframe>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/6i0twc"></iframe>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/9p1qr4"></iframe>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/k3tfr0"></iframe>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/0ocl37"></iframe>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/n0ajkl"></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/6ihh7e"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-36549743603005970922014-04-29T18:35:00.002-04:002014-04-29T18:35:12.884-04:00Banuelos to the Thunder<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaWWwOtrPCM/U2Ao4R1dxuI/AAAAAAAAAYI/zSqKIejltto/s1600/thunder+banuelos-3_JS30018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaWWwOtrPCM/U2Ao4R1dxuI/AAAAAAAAAYI/zSqKIejltto/s1600/thunder+banuelos-3_JS30018.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Trentonian File Photo/JACKIE SCHEAR) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Thunder got a surprise start Tuesday evening against the
New Hampshire Fisher Cats from one of the bigger names in the Yankees minor
league system ā lefthander Manny Banuelos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was transferred from High-A Tampa before the game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 5-foot-10 Banuelos has been considered one of the best
prospects in the Yankees organization ever since signing as an international
free agent out of Monterrey, Mexico in 2008. The high-water mark of his career
to date came in 2011, when he impressed in big league camp, posted a 3.59 ERA
in 20 starts with the Thunder, and was promoted to Triple-A Scranton
Wilkes-Barre while still just 20 years old.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since that season, however, Banuelos has struggled to remain
healthy. He was shut down due to elbow pain after just six starts in 2012, and
missed all of 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery that October. In five
starts for Tampa this season, he recorded a 2.84 ERA. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make room for him on the roster, the Thunder sent
reliever Jairo Heredia to Short Season-A Staten Island. Heredia had a 3.97 ERA
in seven appearances this season.</div>
nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-62570757257038347092014-04-23T16:09:00.002-04:002014-04-23T16:09:39.188-04:00GAME 18: Thunder (11-7) vs. Akron RubberDucks (9-9)RHP Nuding (1-0, 2.89) vs. RHP Will Roberts (2-1, 3.50)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-kohVmGEw/U1gdmHHotkI/AAAAAAAAAXw/jI3RajFWeYI/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Os-kohVmGEw/U1gdmHHotkI/AAAAAAAAAXw/jI3RajFWeYI/s1600/photo(5).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGkBQ-8q3Y/U1gdkUkLPZI/AAAAAAAAAXo/1oRxZKFG-IM/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGkBQ-8q3Y/U1gdkUkLPZI/AAAAAAAAAXo/1oRxZKFG-IM/s1600/photo(6).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-24157911861095626782014-04-20T09:20:00.001-04:002014-04-20T09:20:57.585-04:00Mitchell called up to the YankeesBaseball America's Josh Norris (a former Trentonian great) is reporting that Bryan Mitchell has been called up to the Yankees. This would make sense considering Gil Patterson was in Trenton last night. More to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-187X1Fk7ywM/U1PJAui3ixI/AAAAAAAAAXY/oZla0owrtf8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-20+at+9.17.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-187X1Fk7ywM/U1PJAui3ixI/AAAAAAAAAXY/oZla0owrtf8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-20+at+9.17.26+AM.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-7940092152324687642014-04-19T23:01:00.000-04:002014-04-19T23:05:34.535-04:00GAME 16: Erie 10, Thunder 6<br />
<h1 class="title entry-title cleanprint-title">
<a href="http://www.trentonian.com/sports/20140419/thunder-push-bryan-mitchell-back-to-monday"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thunder push Bryan Mitchell back to Monday</span></span></a></h1>
<div class="title entry-title cleanprint-title">
<a href="http://www.trentonian.com/sports/20140419/thunder-have-modest-winning-streak-snapped"><span style="font-size: small;">Thunder have modest winning streak snapped</span></a></div>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/l67ik8" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/mclp6s" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/ya2glm" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/8ztjl6" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-73859191609253087252014-04-19T16:44:00.002-04:002014-04-19T16:44:37.270-04:00GAME 16: Thunder (9-6) vs Erie SeaWolves (5-8)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VhiIzBVnGU/U1LgFKopEWI/AAAAAAAAAXE/lBn3UlbE8Qo/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VhiIzBVnGU/U1LgFKopEWI/AAAAAAAAAXE/lBn3UlbE8Qo/s1600/photo(4).JPG" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-59278132295398972052014-04-18T16:09:00.002-04:002014-04-18T16:28:02.690-04:00GAME 15: Thunder (8-6) vs. Erie SeaWolves (5-7)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58nXwiws8E8/U1GGcyH5T3I/AAAAAAAAAWw/TLMsSlYSRNE/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58nXwiws8E8/U1GGcyH5T3I/AAAAAAAAAWw/TLMsSlYSRNE/s1600/photo(3).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"ļ¼ļ¼³ ęę";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tony Franklin on Diego Moreno: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> Is he your closer?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>No, its not safe to say that. Itās safe to say we have guys
who can pitch multiple innings, but it just seems like heās been the guy in
there for the ninth inning. You can assume what you want. Weāve got guys down
there that are capable of doing it. Now, I donāt want to sound stupid about
this. Heās been very effective in that roll, and weāll probably go to him, but
weāve got a lot of guys down there you might see in the ninth simply because
they need to throw multiple innings. We donāt have a designated closer or a
designated long guy or whatever. We have pitchers down there we think can get
the job done at the end of the game.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What has made him so effective? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Great changeup, canāt you see it? You know its coming, and
you still canāt lay off of it. He has great arm speed with it. If you go up
there and sit on it, I still donāt know if you are going to be able to hit it.
He throws strikes, attacks the zone to get ahead of hitters, and he uses that
changeup effectively. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Comparable to Edwar Ramirez?</b><i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Itās comparable. Edwar got to the big leagues throwing it.
Trevor Hoffman had a pretty good career throwing it. Itās a heck of a pitch,
and he utilizes it well, controls it well, commands it well. Itās a good pitch
for him.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-28562675078262854672014-04-17T20:20:00.003-04:002014-04-17T20:52:00.925-04:00GAME 14: Thunder (7-6) vs Erie SeaWolves (5-6)<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/o4kvqk" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/i0oxc0" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/l61t6l" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/vqn33y" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-55814925713259651202014-04-09T16:44:00.000-04:002014-04-09T16:44:18.646-04:00GAME 6: Thunder (3-2) vs. Portland Sea Dogs (2-3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STJ-MHMZaKE/U0WwqDeTPwI/AAAAAAAAAWY/smlLnd2Pxx8/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STJ-MHMZaKE/U0WwqDeTPwI/AAAAAAAAAWY/smlLnd2Pxx8/s1600/photo(2).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7649487813243521409.post-9911052776688523162014-04-09T00:15:00.001-04:002014-04-09T00:15:29.814-04:00GAME 5: Thunder 10, Portland 1<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/95gwqg" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="388" id="tout_embed" src="//www.tout.com/embed/touts/u74nd8" width="420"></iframe>nickperuffohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09110807426341923667noreply@blogger.com0