Every baseball manager has their own way of leading a team. There is no right or wrong way. It's in the results. It's how the players respond.
In the five seasons Tony Franklin managed the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A Yankees affiliate, his way of leading has been as a calm but firm force. His approach is consistent. He's never been anyone but himself. And his players have responded, in turn, with their own consistency in the development process.
Under his leadership, some of the Yankees top prospects have successfully made the jump to Triple-A and onto the majors, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero, and Dellin Betances among them.
Earlier this week, the Thunder announced that Franklin will return for a sixth season. Part of his job will be to continue to foster a winning mentality. Perhaps to some, winning at the minor league level doesn't matter. But Franklin has never viewed it that way. Something the Yankees clearly appreciate.
Franklin will be seeking a third Eastern League championship and he'll likely do so with yet another highly touted catcher behind the dish. Gary Sanchez is considered the best catching prospect in the system (Montero's value isn't measured in his defense) and spent 2011 with the Class-A Charleston Riverdogs. He hit .256, improving in key areas. He increased his RBI total to 52, worked 36 walks, and 146 total bases from 2010.
Outfielder Slade Heathcott could also be joining Franklin after level-jumping in 2011 between Charleston and High-A Tampa.
Tony Franklin's steady temperament is a balance that young players respond to.
He needs only to remain himself.