Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

Trenton Thunder 2011 Preview

If you're a Yankees fan, you might have a tough time deciding between a ticket to Yankee Stadium & Waterfront Park this season. At least when the season starts. And if you're watching your wallet.

The Trenton Thunder will showcase some of the finest talent in the Yankees farm system at the park by the river. Here's a preview.

Pitching To Keep Your Eye On: Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren

What You'll Get: Kids with veteran-like composure. A lot of strikeouts.

Spotlight: Adam Warren* (started season at Triple-A Scranton)

"Coming out of the bullpen, I had to lock in mentally."- Adam Warren, 2010

That quote came from Warren after relieving Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, whose rehab included time with Trenton and it was a standout moment for the 23-year-old. He did not appear rattled on the mound and if there were any nerves, he overcame them. It was a perfect showcase for the kind of pitcher Warren is. Warren dominated with the Staten Island Yankees in 2009, finishing with a 1.43 ERA in 56.2 innings of work. In 2010 he played at Tampa and Trenton, pitching a career-high 132 innings. His ability to control and command his fastball, sitting 93-94 and clocked as high as 96, has often made him appear to breeze through innings. If he continues at the same pace, that can only benefit the Yankees. And that includes increasing his trade value.

Catching To Keep Your Eye On: Austin Romine, Jose Gil* (started season at Triple-A Scranton)

What You'll Get: Behind the plate skill from Romine. Focus on offensive improvements. Pitching staff relying on Romine's strong leadership.

Spotlight: Austin Romine

"You have to keep working everyday, or those aspects of your game are going to fail. Never sit back." - Austin Romine, 2010

Romine, 22, had to go through a lot of tough growing pains at the plate and behind in 2010. The constant swirling subject of the competition between him and Jesus Montero seems a distraction, but it's also part of the challenge Romine faces. What he can't do is be Montero at the plate. What he can do is improve as a hitter and continue to grow and excel as a catcher. His excellent defense is well-documented. But what stood out in 2010 was that he expressed a desire to have a great working relationship with his catchers in an early conversation. At season's end, top prospect Andrew Brackman cited Romine as hugely important to his success on the mound. The importance of Romine to his pitchers can't be overstated. But his spring training results - hitting .180 in 14 games - prove he's got a lot of room to improve offensively.

New coaches: Justin Pope, Julius Matos (hitting coach)

What You'll Get: Youthful leadership from Pope. Focus on offensive improvement for several key players. Continued steady guidance from manager Tony Franklin.

Spotlight: Tony Franklin

"I don't mind the losses. We're going to get beat. But as you're being beaten, there's a measure of character you show." 2010

Franklin's approach has been a constant. But don't be fooled by his quiet manner. He is a passionate leader, unafraid to be a firm disciplinarian. He has seen many of the current crop of Yankees top prospects through the early part of their growing process, including Jesus Montero. His fifth season could be his most important at the helm. Will he finally get that much-deserved Eastern League Manager of the Year honor?

New faces: INF Brad Suttle, OF Melky Mesa, pitcher Graham Stoneburner and many more. Thunder has quite a new look for 2011.

What You'll Get: A glimpse at some guys you may not be entirely familar with. A tighter offense and defense. The Florida State League MVP in Mesa.

Spotlight: Corban Joseph

"I haven't really had time to adapt to it. [Double-A pitchers] can fool you better." 2010

Joseph will not be an entirely brand new face in the lineup, but he never really did get to do much adapting. 2011 will be all about that. He spent some time at Trenton, playing in 31 games, but he struggled to find his groove after coming from Class-A Tampa. Starting the season for the Thunder could lead him to being more ready to handle the challenge that seemed to come upon him too quickly.

 

Cleatism

Baseball, for all it's glory and beauty, celebrates sexism.

It's less powerful. There are more women joining the industry in every capacity and female fans are more involved and knowledgable than ever.

But the term cleat chasers continues to chase us. The word is a sad reminder that men can pursue, but women can't. If they do, they're cleat chasers. If they're baseball players, they're just living it up and having some fun.

Don't be fooled. The term is designed to put women in their place. If you're a female fan, you will get that lobbed at you. If you're a professional in the industry, you'll be subject to the same doubts about your knowledge and likely be verbally demeaned. I've been on the receiving end of all of that. Both as a fan and professional.

There is no doubt there are women who love them some baseball players. Just like baseball players love them some Hooters girls. And Playboy Playmates. And they sometimes marry them. Players behavior is not dissected. It's given the high five and the stamp of masculinity.

The attitude toward women's sexuality is present everywhere and sports is a reflection of that. When a professional woman was filmed in her hotel room against her will in the nude, the immediate question by many was whether she deserved it. Was she asking for it? That question has followed women forever when a sexual crime is committed against them. 

If only people could see how that attitude trickles down and infects women on a smaller, though no less imporant scale. We label women with sexually demeaning words. Cleat chaser means slut. The baseball player/man spending some time with that cleat chaser/slut? There's no label put upon him.

Pretend all you want that the cleat chaser label is deserved, but when a man says he's a baseball fan or loves baseball, he is never questioned. When a fan of the game is female, there are instant doubts and probably some teasing. She's probably going to be asked which player she finds attractive.

Using the term cleat chaser is unfair in many ways. It's unfair to women who love the game as fans and to those who work in the industry. That attitude is preset. They have to somehow prove they aren't one of THOSE girls.

It is also unfair to slam down the fist of judgement on the girl chasing and put no judgements upon the players who enjoy the attention. When I read reactions to girls allegedly 'chasing', there is only disgust toward her. The same way women are judged and labeled with offensive words for doing what the boys do.

By erasing that offensive word from our vocabulary, we put the responsiblity square on both people. And maybe we grin and wink and say, 'Let them have their fun.' And we also open the doors respectfully to the women who aren't interested in that, but love the game the way men do.

There's a need to judge women. Constantly. The next time you call a woman a 'cleat chaser', perhaps ask yourself why you need to to judge women in that way. And maybe, just maybe, ask the player why he's being so carefree and having fun.

Oh...right. You wouldn't.

 

Stanford Pitcher Mark Appel Talks Success And Being A Possible First Rounder

Stanford righty Mark Appel, expected to be a first round selection in the 2012 MLB Draft, took some time to talk about this season. He's 1-2 with a 3.43 ERA. Previously selected in 2009 by the Detroit Tigers, Appel discussed not signing with the Tigers, as well as pitches he's been working on.

Call Of College

It was not too difficult of a decision, especially since they did not offer any money in the end. They drafted some guys who were being advised by Scott Boras in some early rounds and they knew they would be spending a lot of money. I guess if they didn't sign them, they might have had some money leftover to offer, but it still would have been tough to say no to a Stanford education and the Stanford experience, it is a pretty unique and special opportunity, and I am very pleased with the decision.

Big Memories

I was born in Houston, Texas and lived there until I was 12 years old, so my favorite team is the Houston Astros (although we have had some tough years of late). But my favorite memory as both a player and a fan comes from when I was living and playing in California. I was invited to attend the Houston Astros pre-draft workout. My whole family and a few of my childhood friends got to come out and watch me pitch a few innings in Minute Maid Park. I also got to meet one of my all-time favorite Astros, Craig Biggio. As both a fan and a player, it was a dream come true and really a great experience.

The Right Mix In 2010

I feel that everything is just coming together this season. I had never been a starter before in my career until this summer, which was a huge step into getting to where I want to be. I am definitely a long ways away and still have tons of work to do, but seeing some results from the work and effort I have put in is rewarding. The efficiency in my innings is what is most noticeable to me, and that is mainly because of the changeup and mixing up speeds. Coach Filter does a good job of calling the pitches and Zach Jones, our catcher has a lot of experience behind the plate, so it is great learning all I can from those guys just about different situations and the right pitches to make.

The Repertoire

The offspeed stuff is coming along just fine. The slider has been one of my better pitches throughout high school and college and right now I'm working on location and setting hitters up with the fastball to punch them out with the slider. My changeup has improved greatly from last year. I threw it a lot this summer in the NECBL, and I now feel comfortable throwing it in any count. Having three pitches has allowed me to be efficient to let me go deep into games and keep the hitters off balance.

Taking The Ball

My preference is definitely to be a starter, but realistically, I am willing to take whatever role to help the team win games. I feel that I have showed the coaches that I can help the team best by starting, but it comes down to their decision. Both starting and relieving are a lot of fun in their own ways. Starting is great because you know when you are going to pitch and get to go out there and pitch 6, 7, 8 innings. But relieving is fun too because you have to be ready at all times, and when you go in (especially as the closer), it is a high intensity moment with adrenaline flowing.

Call Of The Field

I chose baseball [over basketball] because I love the game and I knew that I had a better opportunity to get into college and earn a degree with baseball and potentially be able to play at the professional level. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love both sports and sometimes wish I could be out on the hardwood, but I know that God has a plan for me here at Stanford, playing basebal

Make It Count, Make It Fun

Ever since playing little league baseball back in Houston, Texas, I have been blessed with great coaches that have helped shape me into the competitor I am. One of the most important things I have learned over the years that helps me out greatly is that you never know when your last game is going to be. Going out there and taking nothing for granted really makes the game fun and worth all the time and effort that I put into i

About That First Round Talk...

The first reaction I have is that God is good. Without the talents and opportunities he has blessed me with, I would not be where I am today, I know that for certain. It is an honor to be mentioned in the discussion, but I try not to think about it too much. So many things can change from now until the draft, so I don't want to get ahead of myself. I'm just going out there, taking it day by day, enjoying every moment of it, and I will let the results take care of themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

Checking In With Justin Snyder At Yankees Camp

Justin Snyder is the same gamer he's always been. That much was clear in a conversation from Yankees camp in Tampa, where minor leaguers are about to start playing games.

" I'll play where they want me. At the end of day, I'm still getting a paycheck. I'm still getting paid to do what I love," he said. 

He spent most of 2010 at Double-A Trenton playing in 90 games and finishing the season hitting .245. He got a few at-bats at Triple-A Scranton and while the experience was a positive one, he's not hung up on where he starts 2011. But getting another chance at the most advanced level of minor league ball would be fine by him.

"It wouldn't dissapoint me to start there."

He'll turn 25 in April and has health on his side, never having suffered any significant injuries. He had an impressive season at Class-A Charleston in 2008, but may have been rushed a bit to Trenton. 2009 was not what he'd hoped and his production dropped. That seems almost unfair to point out when the Yankees could have sent him back for more time at Charleston and also seemed to redirect him to more of a utility role. Snyder is a solid second baseman and a natural infielder.

But his versatility allows him to play a few positions and he's open to wherever he's needed when it all shakes out.

"I prefer second because that's where I've gotten the mosts reps."

He manned second in 48 of his games played last year, but it seemed like he was everywhere. He played every infield position but catcher and all three outfield positions.

He even took the ball to pitch an inning of relief. A hit and a walk and that was all he wrote. It might seem a small example, but it's the kind of player he is. If he's needed, he does it.

Defense is the number one part of his game he'd like to improve as he looks toward the new season.

"I would like to get more proficient in the field. Some days I didn't feel I was really ready to go. I want to be more prepared."

There's no telling how much playing time he'll get or what he'll be doing once minor league spring training games begin, but he has never appeared to be a player affected by any of that.  

And if he felt he wasn't at his best in the field last season, perhaps that motivated him to try a more grueling off-season program. He began using Crossfit, a core strengthening and conditioning program that has been useful for many athletes. Doing that three times a week made a difference for him.

"It's not that I've lost any weight, I just got more muscle and leaned out. I'm the same weight I was last year, I just feel stronger and in better shape. I switched it up."

He explained that the point of the program isn't to go long, but to be more challenged.

"The workouts aren't about doing more, but just working at a higher intensity."

As he gears up to get back to playing, he is applying that intensity to his goals.

"Ideally, [I want to be]an everyday starter [this season], that's what I'm shooting for. The number one thing is having my name in the lineup everyday."

 

 

 

 

Justin Pope Reflects On His Past And Future With The Trenton Thunder

Justin Pope has spent a lot of years with the Yankees and as he embarks on a new chapter with them as a Trenton Thunder coach, he knows one thing. The Thunder's long-time manager is the man to see. And hear.

"I'm really excited to be around Tony [Franklin] all summer," Pope said. "He's been around the game for so long and I know I am going to learn so much from him. It is going to be fun to pick his brain about baseball."

He also confirms his role on the coaching staff.

"I will be the 4th coach and help out with the catchers," said the former pitcher. "I'm also hoping to be able to help out Tony in any way I can."

Pope has been a part of the Yankees organization since 2003 and was drafted by the Cardinals in 2001. He split time between the New Jersey Cardinals, Peoria Chiefs (finishing with a 1.38 ERA in 78 innings), and Palm Beach Cardinals before being traded to the New York Yankees in 2003. In 2004 he finally saw Double-A action, pitching for the Trenton Thunder where he also began 2005. After starting the season with the Thunder, he spent the rest of 2006 at Triple-A Columbus. He pitched in 28 games there.

Pope ended his career in Philadelphia with the Reading Phillies in 2008 with a 2.23 ERA. The Phillies did re-sign him, only to release him in spring training.

After retiring coaching seemed a natural progression for him. He began with the Staten Island Yankees in 2009.

"It has only been a short time so far as a coach, but I have learned so much and I learn something every day. One thing I'm learning is that every player is different. You have to figure out how each player responds to certain things and what you have to do to help each player get better."

The Thunder roster will be packed with promising players who are a short-hop from being in Yankees pinstripes. But Pope sees it as a mutual learning experience.

"I hope to teach them something about baseball as I hope to learn from them," said Pope.

Pope never made it to the majors (just as Franklin never did), giving him a unique perspective to share with players, particularly because he saw playing time at every level. He knows the differences and challgenges.

"With each level the players get better and the game speeds up and becomes cleaner. Players start to know themselves and what they can and cannot do as they move up the levels."

Having spent the large part of his career in the Yankees organization, there is an emotional connection to the team. He is glad to still be with them.

"It does mean a lot to be a coach in this organization. I think a lot of [them] and for them to think highly enough of me to have me as a coach means so much to me."

He points to September 15th 2007 as the most special moment of his career.

"Winning the championship [that year] was very memorable."

The Trenton Thunder is a place that Justin Pope called home as a player and now comes home to as a coach. His enthusiasm and appreciation for that opportunity is pure and simple.

"I am so fortunate to be in baseball."

 

 

Indians Scout Doug Carpenter Answers The Question: How Important Are Spring Training Results?

It's a no-journalist flair zone for this one. I wanted to ask a major league scout to address the importance, or non-importance, of players spring training results.

Cleveland Indians scout Doug Carpenter, with 20 plus years experiences as a professional scout, answered it and I'll give it to you straight:

Obviously there are many variables involved depending on how close the player is to actually making the Big League team. You are not only watching performance but also following how they "fit in".

Are they comfortable and un-intimidated by the "environment". Are their tools and abilities allowed to play out and are they making the necessary adjustments that will determine when they will be ready for a chance.

Success/failure is such a fine line for young players because one creates confidence and the other one creates character that inevitably builds confidence. Every team has a schedule for said player, and usually that schedule is adhered to unless a promotion has been overwhelmingly deserved (*). BUT- success in Spring Training does not always correlate to success at the Major League level. People need to remember that the veteran players are "in training"... not that they are not giving 100%, but that they are gradually getting themselves ready for the upcoming season. Example: Pitchers are slowly working their breaking balls in so hitters sometime have the early advantage in Spring seeing a lot of FB/CHG.

*Injury to an established player can also lead to a "forced" promotion of a younger prospect... sometimes more out of necessity than need. Some guys are ready and step up- others show holes in their game that validate more experience needed in the Minor Leagues.