BASELINES’ AWARDS FOR THE 2011 SEASON

         TRENTON, NJ – We’ve become accustomed to some extra September baseball around these parts over the past several years.

          In fact, this space has often been devoted to a playoff preview and analysis at this time. This year’s Thunder club, which fell from 48-33 to finish 68-73, fell, to both manager Tony Franklin’s consternation, short of the postseason.

          Yet, there were three players BaseLines felt worthy of honors – outfielder Ray Kruml, Craig Heyer  and Addison Maruszak

BaseLine’s Choice For 2011 Thunder MVP – Kruml, who turned 26 during the season, put himself on the map with an excellent Double-A season.  Prior to his promotion to Triple-A Scranton, he batted .290 (131-for-452) with five homers and 35 RBIs in 114 games.

          He emerged as an excellent leadoff hitter and stole 37 bases in 48 attempts. He covered ground in the outfield, displayed a decent arm and had only four errors.

          “I just try to contribute and improve my game,’’ said Kruml, a native of Lisle, Ill.,  who played collegiately at South Alabama. “All I tried to do this season is make myself better.’’

          Some scouts will tell you Kruml has speed rivaling former Thunder star and Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. He indeed was one of the fastest baserunners in the Eastern League and, if he has as a solid a season in Triple-A in 2012, could be looked to as an outfield reserve in The Bronx in the future.

          “My goal is to play like Brett,’’ said Kruml. “He’s become a big part of what the Yankees do.”

BaseLine’s Choice For 2011 Thunder Pitcher of the Year – Heyer, who  ended up making 24 starts for the Thunder, advanced his cause as well in 2011.

          After a 2010 season in which he first was a reliever, then a starter, helping the Class-A Advanced Tampa Yankees to the Florida State League championship, he became a full-time starter with the Thunder.

          The 25-year-old native of Scottsdale, Ariz., who played collegiately at UNLV, moved into the rotation early in the season when both lefty Manny Banuelos and righty Dellin Betances were sidelined by blister problems.

           He ended the season with a 10-9, 4.54 mark, with a few rough spots down the stretch. He may have tired a bit after pitching 146.2 innings, nearly 55 more than he had in any other season. His strikeout-walk ratio was 75-38.

           “My goal was to help our team in any way I could, whether starting or relieving,’’ said Heyer. “I had the confidence to do either. The season was a good step forward for me.’’

            Heyer showed a lot of grit. Chances are he’ll be back with the Thunder next spring, helping lead a staff that will no doubt include Brett Marshall and Jose Oquendo from Tampa.

BaseLine’s Choice For 2011 Thunder Utility Player of the Year– Maruszak, 24, came to the ballpark everyday with an upbeat attitude.

            The 24-year-old native of Piniellas Park, Fla., who played collegiately at his hometown University of South Florida, played wherever Franklin needed him. He appeared all over the infield, the outfield and caught a few games.

            Maruszak can play every position but pitcher, and likely would try that in an emergency. He batted .244 (84-for-344) in 108 games with the Thunder, along with spending a week at Triple-A Scranton.  He had many key hits, with an OPS of .726. He committed just eight errors.

            “I enjoyed playing here, and the atmosphere in our clubhouse,’’ said Maruszak. “ Where I play doesn’t matter and where I bat doesn’t matter. As long as I’m in there.’’

            Chances are good Maruszak will get a return trip to Trenton next spring. His versatility is a plus and, with a season of Double-A experience, could be a major factor for the Thunder next season.

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            ABOUT THE SKIPPER: Franklin also likes the playoff atmosphere, having won a pair of Eastern League titles, and he missed that this season as well. A stickler for defense, he watched as his team committed a franchise-record 158 errors.

            “All those errors don’t translate into winning baseball,’’  he said, shaking his head.

           Franklin talked about coming back for a sixth season.  Waterfront Park isn’t Yankee Stadium, or Fenway Park, but it’s a pretty cool baseball spot. He enjoys working with younger players, the development process and the atmosphere in Trenton.

           “We’ll see what happens,’’ said Franklin as he always does at the end of a campaign. “If the Yankees want me to come back here, however, this is where I’ll be. It’s a darn good place to work.’’

            Franklin likely realizes he has become as much a part of the Thunder’s community fabric as anyone.

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           THE OFFSEASON ARRIVES:  With the Thunder’s 2011 season concluded, BaseLines shifts into offseason mode, which includes the Arizona Fall League, Winter Baseball and other developments.

           BaseLines appears weekly on www.trentonthunder.com. Comments are welcomed and suggested below, or at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @jedleyq.

THUNDER’S BURNHAM EARNS 2011 BROADCASTER OF THE YEAR

TRENTON – Thunder manager Tony Franklin, given his duties during a game, rarely gets a chance to listen to the Thunder radiocasts, either on WTSR (FM 91.3) or the via the Internet.

            Tuesday night, however, Franklin spent part of the game in his Waterfront Park office, thanks to a difference of opinion on a ruling on the field resulting in his ejection.  So, he turned on the radio to see how his team was doing.

            Naturally he heard second-year Thunder broadcaster Jay Burnham.

            “You know,’’ said Franklin, “Jay is pretty good.  I had a chance to hear a lot of the game Tuesday night after I was ejected.  Without a doubt, I knew what was going on.’’

             Burnham picked up a major plaudit Tuesday, having been named 2011 Broadcaster of the Year by Ballpark Digest, a well-respected Web site that focuses mainly on Minor League Baseball.

             “I was stunned when I first heard about it,’’ said Burnham. “There are so many guys in so many places that work so hard in the minor leagues. I know them from the Eastern League, South Atlantic League and other places. I’m humbled.’’

            “It’s a nice honor.  It’s such a privilege to be working for an organization like the Thunder. It’s an exceptional situation.’’

             Burnham’s breezy style mixes well with 2011 partner Hank Fuerst’s more serious approach to the game. The two have been fun to listen to, and have a lot of fun and on-air chemistry working together.

             The Thunder radio booth, having produced Major League Baseball broadcasters Tom McCarthy (Phillies) and Andy Freed (Rays) is part of the tradition of the franchise, which has flourished since 1994.

             Burnham knows all about that.

             “It’s always stressed, in our broadcasting, who has sat in those chairs before,’’ he said. “We have a high standard. I’ve been lucky to work with partners like Justin Shackil (now a broadcaster for the Southern League’s Tennessee Smokies) and now Hank.

             “They have helped me become a better broadcaster.’’

            Ballpark Digest acknowledged Burnham calls a “mean game’’ and mentioned his Baseball Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry with which he often involves the media, but noted what separated him from other broadcasters considered was his off-air work.

            In the minors, a broadcaster is often not judged on his on-air efforts, but how he is in selling and bringing advertising dollars into the franchise. Many fans don’t realize, in the minor leagues in any sport, everybody in the front office sells.

           The Thunder, prior to the 2011 season, was searching for a new radio station. Burnham put together a proposal that worked for WTSR, the College of New Jersey station, and things worked out. The Thunder also has many games broadcast on WBCB (AM 1490) when the Phillies are not playing.

           “We needed a station, and I’m the Director of Broadcasting, so I thought it was my responsibility to arrange our broadcast package,’’ said Burnham.  “It’s falls under what I do.

           “WTSR has worked out great, and it’s a big plus to have our games on WBCB when there is not a conflict with the Phillies. We were really able to widen our listening audience.

           “I feel we’ve had a real good year on the radio and, again, I can’t credit Hank enough for his contributions.’’

           His 2011 highlights including calling Derek Jeter’s two-game rehab around the July 4 holiday – Burnham’s radio call was included in the HBO Documentary Derek Jeter 3K, and an on-air interview with Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, now a special advisor with the Yankees.

           Burnham knows the ropes, having called the independent Pensacola Pelicans, the Asheville Tourists and Hagerstown Suns of the Class-A South Atlantic League before arriving in Trenton.   

          “I am grateful to guys like (general managers) Will Smith, Kurt Landes, Larry Hawkins and (Thunder Director of Public Relations) Bill Cook, guys who always supported me throughout my career.  That type of support makes a difference.’’

          On top of that, Burnham has the Tony Franklin seal of approval, even if it takes an ejection for the Thunder skipper to tune in.

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          NOT DONE YET: Franklin echoing Yogi Berra, basically told his club before Wednesday night’s game, which resulted in a 7-2 win over New Hampshire that snapped a seven-game losing streak, “You’re not out of it until you’re out of it.’’

          Eastern League playoff contention that is.

          Franklin feels, if his 65-70 team can win tonight, then sweep five games in New Britain over Labor Day weekend, they could sneak into the playoffs.

          “I told them to pack for New Hampshire (where the playoffs would start),’’ he said.

          It’s a tall order, with the team standing 3.5 games out of a playoff spot and having to jump both New Britain and Reading.

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         FROM MAINE TO OHIO AND VIRGINIA:  Franklin said he would be glad to return for a sixth season in Trenton if the Yankees asked him … Two groups in Ottawa are looking to bring an Eastern League club to Canada’s capital. They also want to the club to be a Toronto affiliate.  A lot would have to be done to fit the pieces of that puzzle into place.

         BaseLines appears weekly on www.trentonthunder.com.  Comments are welcomed and suggested below, or at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @jedleyq.

MANY THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THUNDER’S 2011 SEASON

TRENTON – The Thunder return for their final homestand beginning tonight, eight games featuring four with New Britain and four with New Hampshire.
Our favorite team is stumbling toward the finish a bit, but there were some marvelous moments as far as the 2011 campaign is concerned:
• First was the fact Tony Franklin remained in the Thunder manager’s office. He’s been an all-time favorite and a steady hand. Whether he comes back for 2012 is unknown, but, should he choose not to, he will be missed.
• Lefty Manny Banuelos was a pleasure to deal with. He was 4-5, 3.59 in 20 starts with the Thunder. He takes nothing for granted and knows he has a “gift.’’ Don’t be shocked if the Yankees give him a September call-up.
• Righty Dellin Betances, who was 4-6, 3.42 in 21 starts with the Thunder, was another guy the media enjoyed talking to. He made no excuses if he had a tough game. His recovery from surgery has been remarkable.
• Outfielder Ray Kruml, who hit .290 (131-for-452) and stole 37 bases before advancing to Triple-A Scranton, kept getting better and better as the season went on. He put himself on the radar, and with his speed, could wear Pinstripes in a year or two.
• Utility player Addison Maruszak, like many of his teammates, found Double-A was a big step from Single-A. A versatile sort who can play every position but pitch, he was always upbeat. Chances are he’ll be back in Trenton in 2012.
• Outfielder Melky Mesa is another fun guy to be around. He also struggled in his Double-A debut and should get a return trip in 2012. A potential five-tool player, he still is looking to harness all that talent.
• So what if righty Craig Heyer had a tough outing the other night. He’s pitched well, making 22 starts and is 10-7, 3.88. He proved to be dependable and able to adjust. Also another great guy to deal with in the clubhouse.
• Also at 10-7, with a 4.40 ERA in 22 starts, is Shaffer Hall. There were some bumps in the road, but the man has talent – as well as quite the Twitter following from the Midlands.
• Righty Ryan Pope, who is 0-1, 2.16 in 19 appearances with the Thunder, is battling back, He has someone special on his side now in his wife, Charlotte, who brightens up the ballpark with her smile when she is in attendance.
• And aren’t those loyal gals from Staten Island around for fun and baseball fellowship, given their favorite, outfielder Austin Krum, is finishing the 2011 season in Trenton.
• The atmosphere at the ballpark again was a lot of fun, a spring and summer gathering place for all of us. That is due to the work of the Thunder front-office people, who make Waterfront Park that friendly place. As many of you know, I further developed that appreciation through my work with another major Trenton sports operation.
• The two games Derek Jeter rehabbed, drawing crowds of over 9,000 and turning Waterfront Park into a big-time media gathering. Here again, the Thunder staff did its usual great job in handling both local and national media.
• There was never a dull moment with the talented folks I share the Waterfront press box with when gathering information for this piece on a weekly basis. What a composite of Minor League Baseball knowledge.
• What fans are the most fun to watch at Waterfront Park? Try the little guys, who grow up to be bigger guys over the last dozen years, sitting with us in Section 6.
So maybe our favorites stumbled in the second half of the season. Maybe a playoff berth will elude them. For all of us, Waterfront Park is part of our community and our lives.
Next March, under Florida sunshine, it will start all over again. What would we do without it in the spring and summer? I’m glad that’s not a factor.
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SWB YANKEES ON THE ROAD IN 2012: One advantage players returning to Trenton in 2012 will have over their Triple-A counterparts is a home field.
A decision was made to have the SWB Yankees play the 2012 season on the road while a $40 million renovation is done to their ballpark, PNC Field, in Moosic, Pa. International League president Randy Mobley would like the team to stay “within the International League footprint.’’
The way it looks, and a final decision will be made in September, is the club’s home schedule could be split among Rochester, Buffalo, Allentown and other IL cities when the home team is traveling.
This corner would love to see a series or two in Waterfront Park. The ballpark houses a Yankees farm team. Most players are familiar with the excellent facilities. The ballpark has a third clubhouse the team could use and, chances are, the games might draw fairly well.
Say SWB and Lehigh Valley met in a series in Trenton. The ballpark would be lively.
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FROM MAINE TO OHIO AND VIRGINIA: The Akron Aeros are running a re-branding contest, with the Aeros moniker and four others – Gum Dippers – This has to do with impregnating tire cord with rubber, reflecting Akron’s heritage as a tire-producing region; Tire Jacks – Combine that tradition with an Akron team “jacking’’ the ball out of the park; Rubber Ducks – The team states this symbolizes the importance of rubber in Akron, the Tire City. It is also whimsical, which could catch on with fans and Vulcans – The name emulates power, also connected with the manufacturing of tires and other rubber-based products. For 2012, the Akron club could have a new nickname … Richmond will be playing in The Diamond at least three more seasons, as Richmond-area officials feel gathering funding for a ballpark that will open in 2015.
Baselines appears weekly on http://www.trentonthunder.com. Comments are suggested and welcomed below, or at jed.weisberger3@gmail.som. Follow on Twitter @jedleyq.

2012 THUNDER MAY LOOK A LOT LIKE THE 2011 THUNDER

So here we are in the late stages of the 2011 season, The Thunder, once 48-33 and in first place in the Eastern League East, now sit just below .500 and are in a fight for the playoff.

Compared to what we saw over the last few seasons, this is a surprise. Thunder teams, more often than not, finish strong.  For several reasons, that will not be the case this season.

That leads one to believe the 2012 addition may look a lot like the 2011 edition, with many of this year’s players back for another try at the Double-A level.  This is due to the fact many could use another tour of duty in Trenton, coupled with the fact that not many Tampa players have proven themselves worthy of a promotion to Double-A.

We offer an analysis of who just might return next April:

1B Addison Maruszak – A great guy, this versatile player is hitting .248 (71-for-286).  He could play a number of positions, especially if Luke Murton, who is batting .283 (111-for-392) with eight homers and 59 RBIs advances to Trenton.

2B- Corban Joseph – Has had a solid offensive season, batting .263 (113-for-429) with 46 RBIs. Corban’s 21 errors are a concern.  Where he lands next season may depend on the condition of David Adams.  Kevin Mahoney could knock on the door next season.

SS – Jose Pirela – A total of 32 errors show defensive improvement is needed. Has 41 RBIs, but is hitting just .240 (100-for-417).  Neither  Carmen Angelini or Emerson Landoni have been overly impressive at Tampa. Both Pirela and Yadil Mujica will likely be back.

3B – Brad Suttle and Rob Lyerly – Suttle batted just .215 (70-for-326) and struck out 108 times before his injury. He also had 18 errors. Lyerly is hitting .244 (49-for-201) and has 15 errors himself. Both will likely be back here as well.

OF – Ray Kruml, Melky Mesa, Austin Krum, Zoilo Almonte, D’Angelo Mack and Damon Sublett – Kruml has had an excellent season, hitting .287 (125-for-436), committed just four errors and added 35 steals. He should advance to Scranton. Krum’s situation bears watching. Mesa has struggled and will hope to get back on track here in 2012. Almonte, Mack and Sublett all have shown talent at times, and could be with the Thunder in 2012.  Slade Heathcott’s injury probably has him starting at Tampa next spring.

C – Austin Romine – Despite a series of injuries, including a concussion, Romine has had an excellent season. Batting .285 (82-for-288), he has been lauded for his handling of pitchers.  Romine will battle for a spot in The Bronx next season before settling in at Scranton. Jose Gil could return as a veteran. Kyle Higashioka is superb defensively, but struggles at the plate.

DH – What of Cody Johnson, who hit 15 homers in Trenton, but struck out 138 times. He’s doing some retooling in Tampa and could return to add some power to the Thunder in 2012. He’s hitting .281 (25-for-89) with five homers and 14 RBIs in 25 games with Tampa. He has struck out 36 times.

SP – Expect lefty Shaeffer Hall and righty Graham Stoneburner back. Righty Craig Heyer has pitched well (9-6, 3.72) and will likely start in Trenton and eye a promotion. Lefty Jeremy Bleich could come back after surgery. Lefty Josh Romanski pitched well here – 0-1, 2.04 in 13 appearances – before being sent back to Tampa. Both Brett Marshall, a righty, and Jose Quintana, a lefty, have been solid in Tampa. Others could battle for spots likely vacated by Kei Igawa, Steve Garrison and Brad Halsey.

RP – Chase Whitley was good at times for the Thunder this season, and could very well be the 2012 closer. Pat Venditte showed advancement and likely will also be back. Righty Ryan Flannery, who attended FDU-Madison, is 3-0, 2.34 with 14 saves at Tampa. He had a cameo appearance with the Thunder this year and could be a key player next season.

Overall, it’s been a tough second half for these players, a group that could still right itself and earn a playoff berth.  Few had a lot of Double-A experience heading into 2011, which is why the feeling here is many will return in 2012.

THUNDER ROAD TO PLAYOFFS APPEARS BUMPY AT THIS POINT

TRENTON, N.J. – Back on July 2, the Thunder, with Derek Jeter playing and 9,002 fans at Waterfront Park, scored a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Altoona Curve.

As the team celebrated Corban Joseph’s game-winning RBI that drove in Damon Sublett, and settled into a postgame clubhouse feast provided by Jeter, manager Tony Franklin and his players had the satisfaction of a 48-33 mark and could look forward to a strong second half.

The team had settled into a rhythm, and with no other Eastern League East club really asserting itself, another division crown seemed to be on the horizon.

“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing, playing winning baseball and picking each other up,’’ said Joseph. “This is a good club.’’

All was indeed rosy then, but since that day, the Thunder, heading into Friday night’s game with Harrisburg, is 11-24, fighting to stay above .500 and is tied for second place with the Reading Phillies, a team it has finished its season series with, for the final playoff spot.

The picture has taken on a hue that is not the most pleasant. The club has fallen behind in many games, tried to rally and fallen short, having lost 8 of its last 10.“This is wearing on all of us,’’ said Thunder manager Tony Franklin.

Can this team, which played a spectacular first half of the season, recover and claim a playoff berth? There are teams in similar situations – even 2010 league champ Altoona – that have caught fire at the right time and won it all in the Eastern circuit.

On paper, the odds are against the Thunder. Following the weekend series in Harrisburg, the Thunder have a day off Monday before resuming their road trip against the Erie Seawolves.

The Senators are having a superb year at 65-51, featuring uber prospect Bryce Harper and a solid pitching staff. In their only other visit to Harrisburg this season, the Thunder were swept in a three-game series. A series win in Harrisburg could get the Thunder back on the right track.

Yet, while the Thunder have played exceptional baseball at home until the last few weeks, in fact, still holding a 35-23 mark at Waterfront Park, the road, for whatever reason, has been treacherous for this team. Franklin’s club will travel to Harrisburg with a 23-34 mark.

In addition, the Thunder are hitting .249 (935-for-3,873) as a team – 11^th in the 12-team Eastern League – and have struck out an aggregate 985 times, the most in the circuit. Lack of timely hits in timely spots, a trademark during the first half of the season, have not been there.

The pitching? There have been rough spots, but a Team ERA 3.88 – sixth in the EL – is certainly acceptable.

Why? It can happen with young players. Three Thunder players, including Cody Johnson, who has since been dispatched to Tampa, have fanned 100 times or more.

Sometimes it takes awhile for such players to get into rhythm in the Eastern League, and shows what a jump it is from Single-A to Double-A.

Certain games have been decided by a misplay here or an error there.  When a team is not hitting on all cylinders, as the Thunder are not presently, those plays can make a team a bit snakebitten.

Following the Erie series, a very tough Bowie team visits. Then, the Thunder play three in New Hampshire and finish their home slate with an eight-game homestand featuring four games each with New Britain and New Hampshire.  Those contests will decide the Thunder’s playoff fate prior to the club’s season-concluding four-game road trip to New Britain.

Baseball was never meant to be easy, especially at the Double-A level. All an organization can hope for is consistent play and progress.

It appeared the Thunder were on their way to that just five weeks ago. Now, the road to any playoff berth is rather rocky.

THUNDER PART-OWNER STANLEY – FROM GLENS FALLS TO KAMPALA

      Both the media and dozens of Thunder fans can recognize Dick Stanley when he attends a Thunder game at Waterfront Park.

       A baseball guy, academician, generous sort, consultant to industry and cancer survivor, Stanley has spent over $1.5 million of his own money to build a Little League Baseball program in Uganda.

       You may have read earlier in the week, in articles in The New York Times and elsewhere, that a team from a program Dick built, outside Kampala, Uganda’s capital, qualified for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., but is unable to attend due to visa issues.

        “It’s a shame,’’ said Stanley. “It’s a setback. I can understand the visa policy of the United States on documentation, but I don’t know how much documentation these kids have. And, if they have it, their stories, in talking to an American Embassy official, don’t match up with what a parent, if there is one able to be present, says.

         “The only way our kids will get to play in Williamsport is if President Obama or the State Department over-rides policy.’’

          Stanley first went to Uganda several years ago as a United Nations volunteer. He got the idea that baseball could advance the lives of young boys and girls (softball is a part of the program as well) in the East African nation.

          It has been a labor of love for Stanley, who has been a part of the Thunder franchise since it was located in Glens Falls, N.Y., over 20 years ago. He moved, as part-owner, with the team to first London, Ont., then Trenton.

          “Right now, I have a tiny, tiny part of the team ownership,’’ Stanley says with a smile. “I don’t go to league meeting like I used to.

           “I do, however, nearly 20 years after we came to Trenton, enjoy what I see every time I come here and how the fans enjoy the games and how the team has become a fabric of the community.  It’s amazing how Minor League Baseball has changed over the years.

           Stanley, who remembers when Bob Schaefer, a popular Boston farm director during much of the Red Sox (1995-2002) affiliation in Trenton, was his manager in Glens Falls, and how the Eastern League struggled.

          Then there was the Minor League Baseball “boom’’ in the late 1980s, which led to dozens of new parks, like Waterfront Park, and the game becoming big business.  He often offers his opinion on everything from baseball prospects to the state of the economy.

           Yet, even if opinions differ, he is a pleasure to be around.

           “I’m getting older,’’ he quips. “At this point, if you don’t agree with me, you have to live with me.’’

           Seriously, the difficulties he is having with getting the Ugandan team to the Little League World Series – certainly as big a goal for him as late Thunder founder Sam Plumeri’s seeing the Red Sox play play an exhibition game in 1998 – are hurting him inside.

            The man does know what the reality of the situation is – millions do after the excellent coverage by The New York Times – but he is hoping there is a way a group of players from Uganda, who would certainly benefit by a visit to the United States, could somehow get into the door.

            It’s not the money Dick has willingly spent in this case, it’s the feeling. Not only does he want the Ugandan youngsters to become more proficient at playing baseball, but to see a better world, add some reality to hope.

            “Did you see the other story in The New York Times?’’ he asked. “The one that was on the front page about the hospitals and the maternity wards and the shortage of physicians. That gave a look as to what it is like.

           “I know our team can compete in Williamsport because we have three excellent pitchers. We would give them a run for their money.’’

           As this was being written, that script did not seem to be in order.  Perhaps the door will be opened. Even if it isn’t credit Dick Stanley with forging a sports miracle in East Africa.

LYERLY MAKING A STRONG IMPRESSION AFTER MOVE NORTH

TRENTON – Infielder Robert Lyerly quickly noticed one major difference between the Class-A Advanced Florida State League and the Class-AA Eastern League when he joined the Thunder June 21.

“In the Florida State League, I got used to 105 degrees,’’ said Lyerly, a native of Indian Trail, N.C., who was the Yankees’ sixth-round pick in the 2009 draft. “Then, when I got to Portland, where Trenton was playing that night, it was 58 degrees at game time.

“I guess that was the first of many adjustments I had to make.’’

The near 50-degree drop in temperature did not affect Lyerly that night – he went 3-for-5 and drive in a pair of runs after earning his promotion from Tampa with a 64-game effort that included a .315 (82-for-260) average, 16 doubles, five triples and four home runs, along with 46 RBIs.

And, playing mostly at first base, he has not stopped hitting, batting a solid .288 (40-for-139) with three homers and 20 RBIs. 

 The 24-year-old Lyerly is just one of several new faces – relievers Josh Romanski (left) and Chase Whitley (right) and outfielder Deangelo Mack – who have joined the Thunder (56-48) over the last few weeks and feel quite comfortable in their first exposure to the Double-A level.

“The way it is this year is there are a lot of opportunities for these players and, to their credit, they are taking advantage of them,’’ said Thunder manager Tony Franklin. “This is our job – development.’’

No doubt this is due to these young players’ focus, but also do to the fact that the 2011 Thunder clubhouse seems to be one of both determination and fun.

“What was nice for me was how welcoming the guys were when I came here,’’ said Lyerly. “It’s easy to see why we are winning with that attitude. I just hope that I can make sure we keep winning.

“You come here and you start forgetting everything about Tampa pretty quickly. I’m with a team battling for a division championship. The Thunder, who welcome the Richmond Flying Squirrels to Waterfront Park for a four-game series beginning tonight, are a game behind the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the Eastern League East and a strong 34-16 at home.

 Lyerly has fit right in.

“I can see the adjustments I have to make here,’’ he said. “The pitchers are more accurate with all their throws and you will get a breaking ball when you are not expecting it. There are a lot of guys in this clubhouse and others, who are a phone call away from the majors.

 “There are some players I’m familiar with, and they have gotten better. I just hope I’m getting better with them. ”

After a strong career at UNC-Charlotte, Lyerly earned All-Star recognition at Class-A Charleston in 201o. He was named to the South Atlantic Postseason All-Star Team after batting .312 (157-for-503) with seven homers and 71 RBIs.

Less than a year later, he is settling in at Double-A. “In this league, there are some players with major-league experience,’’ he said. “You notice how guys like that do things, and you see what you will need to do. I’m really thankful for this chance, and I’m trying to make the most of it.’’

Adept at both first and third base, he gives Franklin more of the versatility that is spread through his 2011 roster.

“Position is not important,’’ Lyerly said. “Getting the chance to play is.’’

Focused and confident, Lyerly is, as Franklin said, one of those players who is making the most of his chance.

BaseLines appears weekly on http://www.trentonthunder.com. Comments are welcomed and suggested below, or at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @jedleyq

ROMANSKI ACHIEVES GOAL, LOOKS TO SOLIDIFY SPOT

       TRENTON – The first time this reporter ran into Thunder lefty Josh Romanski was during one of Class-A Charleston’s visits to Lakewood during the 2010 South Atlantic League season.

Romanski, 24, who was signed by the Yankees April 14, 2010 – he was originally a fourth-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 – had some definite goals in mind.

“I feel good and I’m throwing good,’’ said Romanski then. “I want to get to Double-A next season. That’s my goal.’’

Romanski was pitching well for the RiverDogs at that juncture, in fact an 8-4, 3.15 mark in 15 starts – with a strikeout/walk ratio of 73-17 – earned him a promotion to Class-A Advanced Tampa near the close of the season.

After putting together an 0-0, 0.87 mark in seven appearances – of which one was just a start – the Corona, Calif., native compiled a 6-5, 2.99 effort in 13 starts and earned a promotion to the Thunder June 28.

“I can recall last year, and what my goal was,’’ said Romanski.  “I’m glad I’m here (with the Thunder).  This is where I want to finish the season.

“I have to make sure that’s the case.’’

Romanski was something of a mystery. After pitching behind Baltimore’s Brian Matusz at the University of San Diego for three years, Milwaukee took him in the fourth round three years ago and gave him a $247,000 bonus.

He then needed Tommy John surgery, and was released.  The Yankees were more than glad to give this talented southpaw a shot.

“The Yankees gave me a second chance, and I’m determined to make the most of it,’’ Romanski said.

With the Thunder, in seven appearances through the just-completed homestand, Romanski, has allowed just a single run in 10.1 innings. His longest stint was a three-inning effort at Reading July 11, in which he allowed just a single hit in a scoreless effort. He is 0-0, 0.87 with Trenton.

Thunder manager Tony Franklin is glad to have another lefty in the bullpen, one who could also start in an emergency.

“With all the guys we have lost, through injuries and call-ups, it’s been nice to have Josh around,’’ said Franklin, whose 52-45 club heads out on a road trip to Bowie and Akron that could prove challenging.

“We’ll take the help from wherever we can get it. We’re getting some from Josh.’’

Romanski is not the hardest thrower, but he commands his three-pitch arsenal quite well. His fastball sits in the upper-80s – it does hit 90-91 here and there – but the key to his success is a sharp curve and an excellent changeup.

So far with the Thunder, he’s been effective in relief.

“The key is my command,’’ Romanski agreed. “I’m not the hardest thrower around, but I can mix my pitches and hit my spots. There are plenty of good hitters in the Eastern League and I have to stay a step ahead of them.

“Certainly I enjoy starting, but if relief and coming out of the bullpen is where they need me, that’s certainly fine as well.’’

In addition to bullpen work, Franklin could also use Romanski as an emergency pinch-hitter.  He played a solid center field in college and can put the bat on the ball. Scouts feel, however, he has much more upside as a control pitcher.

To many players, the South Atlantic League, the lowest-level full-season circuit in Minor League Baseball, is a long way from Double-A. Romanski, however, set a goal for himself and achieved it.

Is his future as a starter or reliever?  That remains to be seen. Roles could fall either way.

And, in that emergency, the Thunder could put a bat in his hand.

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         MARUSZAK BACK WITH THUNDER: The always upbeat Addison Maruszak is back in the Thunder clubhouse after his second stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“It was fun up there,’’ said Maruszak, who started three games. “I got to go to some interesting places, like the stadium in Pawtucket. It never hurts to get a taste of the level above where you are playing.’’

The fact Maruszak can play every position but pitcher makes him a perfect candidate for a fill-in role.

Lately, Maruszak has been hitting well in the clutch, batting .355 (11-for-31) with a pair of homers in his last 10 Thunder games. He had a trio of multi-hit games this past week, and with infielder Brad Suttle going on the disabled list, could see additional action at third base.

“I’m feeling good and my game seems to be coming around,’’ said Maruszak, who is batting .241 (52-for-216) with five homers and 26 RBIs in 68 games with the Thunder. His OPS is a fairly strong .711, showing his ability to come through with key hits.

“We’ve got a lot of good players,’’ he said. “I just want to contribute where I can.’’

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           FROM MAINE TO OHIO AND VIRGINIA:  The Thunder open a four-game series with Bowie (52-43) tonight in Maryland. By some quirk in the Eastern League schedule, the two teams didn’t meet until both were nearly 100 games into the schedule. The Baysox make their one visit to Waterfront Park Aug. 18-21 … Many fans have asked when the Thunder play Harrisburg, now that uber-prospect Bryce Harper is with the talented (56-40) Senators. Unfortunately, Harrisburg has already made two visits to Waterfront Park, and the only Thunder-Senators meetings left are Aug. 12-14 in Harrisburg … The Thunder travel to Akron for a trio of games after the Bowie series, but the Aeros will not have Tim Fedroff, who was leading the Eastern League in hitting at .338 before earning a promotion to Triple-A Columbus July 8 … The Thunder return home Thursday, July 28, opening a four-game series with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

BaseLines appears weekly on www.trentonthunder.com.  Comments are welcomed and suggested below, or at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com.  Follow on Twitter @jedleyq

 

MCCARTHY A MOST-DESERVING TRENTON BASEBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

The other day, a friend from South Jersey – an ardent Phillies fan – asked me what I thought of Phillies TV voice Tom McCarthy.

        I thought for a minute, back to the day he joined our sports staff at The Times of Trenton, when he was still a student at The College of New Jersey.

        “Tommy McCarthy?  I’m really proud of him,’’ I said with a straight face. “He’s one of the best, and not just when he’s calling Phillies games of Comcast SportsNet or WPHL (Channel 17).’’

        “You really think highly of him?  I see that,’’ my friend said.

        “Absolutely,’’ I said. “Not only is he a terrific broadcaster, but a terrific guy as well.’’

        What makes McCarthy, who turned 43 this past July 5, such a winner?  Let’s turn the clock back a few months.  The place was Cedar Gardens in Hamilton. The affair McCarthy’s annual dinner for the Allentown (N.J.) High baseball team, the locale in which he and his family reside.

         The dinner, which featured such luminaries as former Thunder manager and Boston bench coach DeMarlo Hale and former Phillies reliever and MLB Network personality Mitch Williams, gave the Allentown program support, but that was just the start.

         When one just sat there and took it all in, noticing the smiles, excitement and appreciation on the faces of Allentown’s players, their parents and their coaches – and the way McCarthy gently talked to many youngsters – the scene was perfect.

         Perfect for the latest addition to the Trenton Baseball Hall of Fame, which McCarthy joins Thursday night at Waterfront Park prior to the Thunder’s game with the Reading Phillies.

         Believe it or not, McCarthy, still affectionately known among his friends as “Boog,’’ despite his present slim-and-trim look, was assigned Mercer County field hockey as a beat at The Times. That’s what we needed at that juncture.  McCarthy dutifully filled that beat, but also was quick to remind what his goal was.

        “I want to be a broadcaster,’’ he said.

        A few years later, when a group of men from the area purchased the London (Ont.) Tigers and moved the Double-A Eastern League franchise to Trenton to become the Thunder, McCarthy quickly pursued the broadcast possibilities.

        It all worked out – Tom is the one who first introduced me to Sam Plumeri Sr. telling me what a great guy he was – and McCarthy was named the Thunder’s first Director of Public Relations and broadcaster.

        On a chilly April 1994 night in Harrisburg’s ballpark – then known as RiverSide Stadium – McCarthy called his first professional baseball game with colleague Nick Simonetta at his side. A player named Kelly O’Neal, a Detroit farmhand like his teammates, was the Thunder’s first-ever hitter.

        McCarthy’s call was strong and solid. He spent a lot of time in those early days reporting on the construction of Waterfront Park, which didn’t open until May 9. He doubled as both a broadcaster and a publicist during a challenging time for the new franchise.

        Ironically, the construction delays at Waterfront Park forced the Thunder to play a series with the Canton-Akron Indians – the predecessor to the Akron Aeros  – in Veterans Stadium, then the home of the Phillies.

        “It’s nice to call a game in a big-league stadium,’’ said McCarthy at the time. “Someday, this is where I’d like to be all the time.’’

         Following six seasons with the Thunder, during which he received a promotion to assistant general manager, McCarthy left the club, then a Red Sox affiliate, and got his break, spending five seasons (2001-05) as a Phillies radio play-by-play voice and pre- and postgame host.

        “I wanted to broadcast full-time,’’ he said then. “I had to take a chance.’’

         In addition to his baseball work, he was the voice of Princeton University football and basketball, calling the Tigers’ 43-41 upset of UCLA in 1996. Stints with Rutgers and ESPN Radio also were in the mix, as, over the years, were football assignments from CBS College Sports (then CSTV).

         The Atlantic 10n called. So did St. Joseph’s University, whose men’s basketball games McCarthy still calls. So did MLB Network, for which McCarthy and Boston Spanish broadcaster Uri Berenguer called the 2009 Caribbean Series via monitor at a studio in Secaucus.

         During four of his Thunder seasons, McCarthy worked with Andy Freed, who is now the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays.  There is little doubt McCarthy and Freed were one of the most talented duos ever to regularly work Double-A baseball.

         The two see each other often during spring training. While with the Thunder, they made a pact.

         “We both had the major leagues as our broadcasting goal,’’ said McCarthy. “ We made a promise that whoever made it to the major leagues first, would help the other the best we could.

         “Now that Andy and I are both where we want to be, it’s fun to stay in touch and reminisce. We had great times in Trenton.’’

          McCarthy took a position with the team he rooted for as a youth – the Mets – in 2006 – but returned to the Phillies, who offered a five-year contract, two seasons later.

          When the Mets were looking for a replacement for their WFAN broadcasts, McCarthy recommended Freed, who was honored, but politely declined to stay in the broadcast home he made for himself in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater.

          Following the death of beloved Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas, McCarthy took over as the team’s main TV voice.  He is one of just three major-league broadcasters – Tim McCarver and Todd Kalas, who now works with Tampa Bay – to call both the Mets and Phillies on a regular basis.

          It’s not easy, even with the Phillies becoming an elite team, for anyone to replace a legend like Kalas. I covered the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1970s when Milo Hamilton, a fine broadcaster who still calls Houston Astros games at age 83 – and is a fine broadcaster – tried to replace a fired Bob Prince in Pittsburgh.

          McCarthy, however, is up to the task. He works with his on-air analysts better than anyone.

          Honors such as Thursday’s are earned only partially because of your public persona.  Fans don’t often see the McCarthy who is the devoted family man to lovely wife, Meg, and their four children. They don’t see the man who gives back to Allentown High’s baseball program willingly and effortlessly.

         So, Thunder fans, the cheers for McCarthy will be many Thursday night. They are deserved, for what this gentleman – and he is that to highest degree – does publicly on the airwaves, but also what he does personally behind the scenes.

        No doubt a Hall-of-Famer.

MACK ENJOYING FIRST TASTE OF DOUBLE-A WITH THUNDER

Deangelo Mack observes the game situation.

It’s easy to tell how Thunder outfielder Deangelo Mack approaches the game of baseball.  While confidence is not lacking with the 24-year-old native of West Columbus, S.C., he knows how much work this all takes.

Especially now, with the 40-31 Thunder scuffling on a nine-game road trip. The club returns to Waterfront Park on June 27.

“The biggest thing if you want to win at this level is staying consistent,’’ said Mack. “Something I really appreciate here is the back-and-forth we have with the coaches.

“We have a lot of discussions around the cage and elsewhere. ‘What do you think of this, or that? Or can we do better with this?’”

“I’ve found it best to take one pitch at a time, one game at a time, and keep working on the little things.’’

Mack earned a promotion to the Thunder after batting .291 (34-for-117) in 34 games with Class-A Advanced Tampa. He continued to hit upon arriving in Trenton, but an 0-for-15 slump has dropped his average to .241 (20-for-83) in 25 games with the Thunder.

A star at the University of South Carolina, and an all-star in the New York-Penn League in 2009, Mack knows there will be ups and downs.

“I’m comfortable here, and I’m feeling real good about things,’’ he said. “You have to keep your focus during the season, just play your game and do what you have to do.’’

Mack was doing just that when Tampa skipper Luis Sojo called him into his office and informed him of his promotion.

“I just gathered all my things and jumped on a flight,’’ he said. “Trenton is a nice place to come to. Everybody welcomed me with open arms and showed me the ropes. I’m really enjoying playing for (manager) Tony (Franklin) and the atmosphere in the clubhouse.

“Tony is the kind of manager who is laid-back and doesn’t have a lot of rules, but he can be intense when he has to and wants to win and make us better players. I appreciate that.’’

Franklin stresses doing things the right way, not only to win at this level, but because “that’s how it is done in the major leagues, and that is the goal for everyone here.’’

Mack, as is the case with any player experiencing the Double-A level for the first time, has noticed how much adjustment there is. The pitching, according to Mack, is the big difference between the Florida State League and Eastern League.

“The pitchers here have better command with all their pitches,’’ he said. “They can throw any pitch for a strike.  I saw a lot of straight fastballs at the lower levels. Here, lately, I haven’t seen any straight fastballs. That’s what I am adjusting to.’’

Mack, who has been stationed in left field by Franklin, takes good routes to the ball, has a decent arm, and is solid fundamentally. Not as speedy as such counterparts as Thunder teammate Ray Kruml or Austin Krum, who began the 2011 season with the Thunder, he is thought of as a corner outfielder.

He has been working on increasing his jump to the ball and his speed, with the goal the ability to play all three outfield positions.

“We have a lot of good players all through the Yankees system,’’ said Mack.  “What’s nice now is we all have a chance to advance. The key is working on the little things to make your game better.

“Double-A is a good challenge for a lot of us. We’re learning. A lot of us don’t have a lot of experience at this level, but we are showing we can win.’’

Mack is yet another performer Franklin and his staff are bringing along. With the All-Star Break a few weeks away and the Thunder, as always, contending for an Eastern League playoff spot, Mack will certainly be looked to as a key contributor.

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TOUGH NIGHT FOR HORNE:  Back in 2007, all seemed to be going right for right-hander Alan Horne. He put together a 12-4, 3.11 season with the Thunder, with a strikeout/walk ratio of 165-57. He earned Eastern League All-Star honors.

At that point, he was almost on the cusp of the major leagues.

Since then, however, Horne, one of the nicest guys you will meet in baseball, has battled arm miseries and subsequent surgery – keeping in touch with several media members – as he struggled to make a comeback.

Things didn’t go well in 2009, going 0-3 with an ERA of 11.15 in five appearances with the Thunder. Horne knew things weren’t right.

Healthy enough to be activated from the disabled list for a start Wednesday night in Portland, Horne simply had no command vs. the Sea Dogs. He faced six batters – walking five – allowing four earned runs and not recording an out.

Horne is the type of pitcher all would like to see regain his effectiveness.  The obvious question is, can he?

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FROM MAINE TO OHIO AND VIRGINIA:  Cody Johnson’s improvement is certainly noticeable. For June, he is hitting .293 (22-for-75) with five homers and 17 RBIs.  His batting stance from the left side, holding the bat close to the hip, reminds one of Roy White’s stance from that side. “All I was trying to do with that was make contact,’’ White said in a recent interview.  That’s precisely what the coaches are doing with Johnson, aiming for more contact and cutting down on strikeouts. The strategy seems to be working … Rob Lyerly gives the Thunder another left-handed hitter with a bit of pop. He earned a promotion to Double-A after batting .315 (82-for-260) with four homers and 46 RBIs in 64 games with Tampa. With the T-Yanks, his OPS was a solid .825 … Akron’s Tim Fedroff continues to lead the Eastern League in batting at .345 (87-for-252) … Richmond’s Eric Surkamp is the ERA leader at 1.88. The Thunder’s Dellin Betances is fifth at 2.61.

BaseLines appears weekly on www.trentonthunder.com.  Comments are welcomed and suggested at jed.weisberger3@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @jedleyq.