Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

Trenton Thunder 2009

In my short time covering the team last season, one thing that stood out was that there was no shortage of confidence. Pitcher George Kontos struck me as particularly confident and focused, and Austin Jackson, surrounded by buzz, was unaffected. He came off as a guy who is keeping his eye on the importance of his performance and not allowing any expectations to go to his head.

It will be interesting and exciting to watch them both grow this season, as I follow them from opening day April 8th when the Thunder face the Binghamton Mets. My first time in any clubhouse was the Thunder's visiting clubhouse, when the B Mets were there. I was interviewing Lastings Milledge on his final day with the B Mets, before he went to the Olympics. Have you ever been stung by a bee?

Anyway, my darlings, you know what this all means: heels on the field again.

And just when my calves were finally feeling normal again.

Phillies Shocker/Shef; Atlantic City Surf Players Find New Homes

Some you see coming, some you get whiplash from. The news that the Phillies released veteran Geoff Jenkins, and are pursuing Gary Sheffield himself just released from the Tigers, falls into the latter category.

Shef is known for his strong personality and there's always been concern when his name's come up. There's also the endless debate about team makeup and chemistry, none of which can be scientifcally proven, so how it could affect the dynamics of the team, already adusting to Pat Burrell's departure, is something no one can guess. He had a good 2008, though his spring numbers have been a mix of good and bad: while his average is low, he's got a .378 SLG percentage.

Also: The non-casualties in the Atlantic City Surf shutdown, are relief pitcher Kyle George and infielder Brad Thoma who will wear the New Jersey Jackals uniform, after being traded on Friday. I was able to officially confirm it last night.

Atlantic City Surf Bows

Most of us who were aware of the difficulties getting local fans interested are not completely shocked by this turn of events, but still it was a surprise to learn that the Surf has turned in its membership as part of the Can Am League, due to lease problems.

While some trades were made that secured certain players would not be affected by the closing (Anthony Granato, Joe Burke), others are still in need of a place to play.

The Surf was always on the outskirts and many times people attending the game weren't even sure who they were or what colors they were supposed to be rooting for. But there were some fans who truly loved to support that team.

It's likely Cecil Fielder will find a team to manage or join as a hitting coach.

It's a shame it ended this way, but that's business.