Entering their 20th season in existence, the Trenton Thunder are off to a solid start.

In their first 11 games, they went 8-3, overcoming offensive issues and shaky pitching. They’ve come together as a team, with some unexpected players emerging early.

Manager Tony Franklin, returning for his seventh season to the newly named Arm & Hammer Park (formerly Waterfront Park), came back to new digs down the hall from the clubhouse. The office, equipped with a new larger flat-screen TV, was a gesture the longest-tenured Eastern League manager expressed appreciation for.

But on the night of the home opener, all the new gadgets and surroundings were only the backdrop to the real story: a team with a few highly regarded prospects, and returning guys that are developing at a promising pace.

“[Nik] Turley’s second game, he got off to a bit of a slow start. But he’s settled down. That indicates to me that he has enough to pitch here and beyond. We jumped out of the box with a tremendous offensive attack. That puts a scare in me a little bit, because you think, ‘Hey, are we going to be able to do this every night?’”

Turley’s start on the 15th was an exercise in patience. He worked it out as he went along, struggling at times, but mixing in a healthy dose of first-pitch strikes. He also consistently got the Akron Aeros to swinging and miss. But he was unable to pitch deep, lasting just 4 innings. He allowed 3 runs, two earned, on 4 hits. He gave up three walks, striking out 7. In the first inning, he threw all his pitches for strikes. But his inconsistency was an issue, and he often missed spots where catcher JR Murphy set him up. He threw a wild pitch in the 2nd.

“They’re youngsters at this level and they’re trying to find their way. It’s an adjustment period. The weather is a little bit cold. And baseball players just don’t like cold weather. They keep themselves above water until the weather gets better. It doesn’t get any warmer in New York.”

The three-game string of losses on the road didn’t seem to concern Franklin much. But he’s clear about what Yankees baseball is, and expects his players to know as well.

“We’re looking for a certain type of player,” Franklin said in matter-of-fact tone. “It takes determination.”

Murphy and Austin Bring High Expectations To Trenton

Baseball America ranked #4 Yankees prospect Tyler Austin and #15 ranked JR Murphy are the two names that jump off the roster.

But put the hype aside.

There is a lot of learning ahead, and Austin and Murphy are finding that out.

Austin’s results have fluctuated. Following a couple of multi-hit games, the right fielder went hitless for the next three. In four games, he’s followed that up with six hits total, including a five-RBI night. Franklin, for the record, mentioned the outfielder’s name first when asked who impressed him in Spring Training.

“I just haven’t been trusting my work, honestly,” said Austin. “I’m doing the right things during BP, and doing my work in the cage and I just haven’t been trusting it. The results haven’t been there. But yesterday I did it a little bit and hopefully I continue that.”

He’s coming off a season in which he was named the Yankees Minor League Player of the Year, after hitting .322 combined at three levels, including Trenton. He also set career highs in hits, runs, and doubles. This season has challenges out of the gate, but Austin is on it with a simple approach. Outside of taking more swings than he normally does, he’s keeping his routine the same.

Behind the plate, Murphy is also improving his skill set and continuing to learn himself at the plate in his first full season with the Thunder.

The catcher humorously commented on the cold weather playing a part in getting comfortable.

“The guys who are out there with no sleeves on, it’s like, ok, what does that guy have upstairs that I don’t. If you tell yourself it’s not cold, it’s not cold. But it’s still cold.”

Murphy has begun the season hitting .308 in the first ten games, 10 RBI, a home run, 2 doubles, and 6 walks.

His approach to catching echoes former Thunder catcher Austin Romine.

“I do a lot more studying [video] of the defensive side. My job is to keep runs off the board for the other team. I pride myself on that.”

Austin clarifies that getting better at the Double-A level really is about working the process. In the end, the weather is a small part of that.

“They’re throwing some tough pitches up here. I’m not being patient. But I just need to carry what I’m doing in the cage, onto the field,” Austin said.

Tommy Phillips on Caleb Cotham, Thunder Pitching

“The main thing with Caleb is being healthy,” said Thunder pitching coach Tommy Phillips. “he came back last year and monitored his innings. He’ll throw a few more innings this year. The key is just for him to get out there and compete.”

Phillips said his slider is already a solid pitch, but the curveball, which he’s recently added, is still in the early development stages. His command of the pitch hasn’t come yet.

“He’s very good delivery-wise. The curveball is a new pitch. You have to see it and evaluate, but, I tell you what, it’s very good. It’s just a matter of him finding consistency with his path and his release point with it.”

Cotham sees a connection between all the aspects of his game. He talked about the focus that all that learning requires, certain that there is a key.

“For me, it’s about being a consistent person in general. I think if I take it day to day and have a consistent routine, be a consistent teammate, and my effort is consistent, then I think it’ll show up on the field. It’ll help me be a consistent pitcher. I don’t want to think a whole lot big picture-wise,” Cotham said.

Cotham is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA. In two starts, he’s allowed just two earned runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts in nine innings.

“I’m working on the curveball. Eventually I’d like it to be a duel-pitch [combination]- curveball and slider. But I like to lean on my fastball. Last start was the first time I consistently used the curveball in a game.”

Phillips, in his fifth season as the Thunder’s pitching coach, has seen a lot of the Yankees top young pitchers come through the doors at 1 Thunder Road, and he sizes up what he’s already seen this year.

“It’s young…feels really young. They have to mature and learn how to face better pitchers. Here, it’s about learning how to command your pitches, learning when to change speeds. But a lot of good young arms.

With all that young pitching, there’s a young catcher in Murphy behind the plate. The importance of having a leader such as Murphy to work with the pitchers is paramount.

“Makes my job a lot easier,” Phillips said. “That’s the pitching coach out on the field. He’s the psychiatrist, so to say. He helps them get focused on the task at hand. It helps a lot, because he can communicate with you. JR is all those things. He’s intelligent and he’s going to help them mature as a group.”

NOTES:

Outfielder Shane Brown took the mound on April 9th, marking the first time since 2010 a position player has pitched for the Thunder. He didn’t allow a hit.
The Opening Day roster included three players on the Yankees 40-man roster: Outfielder Ramon Flores, and pitchers Turley and Francisco Rondon.
RHP Zach Nuding got the ball for the home opener, tossing the first quality start of any Trenton pitcher this season. He pitched six innings, allowing one earned run on six hits.
The newly named ballpark underwent renovations that include the addition of a 21’ x 68’ LED display in right field. Pitch speed is now displayed, as is instant replay. There are also new audio speakers, as well as an expanded production room in the press box.
Franklin’s two requests for his new office were pictures of Jackie Robinson and tennis player Arthur Ashe. The team presented him with a life-size movie poster of the new movie ‘42’, about the life of Jackie Robinson. He said he’s still waiting on the picture of Ashe.

“Light breaks where no sun shines;
Where no sea runs, the waters of the heart
Push in their tides”
Dylan Thomas

New York City – In the warmly lit Foley’s NY on West 33rd, a spirit of generosity rose up Thursday night.

In the hopes of raising money for victims of Hurricane Sandy, the idea for the benefit came about when it felt like more could be done. The ‘Irish Bar with the Baseball Attitude’ (and memorabilia to prove it) started putting out the call.

“After the devastation of Sandy, it’s like, ‘What can we do?’”, said Foley’s owner Shawn Clancy, a native of Ireland (impossible to miss) and a New Yorker for the past fifteen years. “Initially we got involved with a lot of different charities. Getting whatever donations we could get…shirts, socks. You don’t think about a pair of socks, you know? We donated money. But then it was just…what more can we do?”

The effort was also a personal one. Three of his staff are currently homeless, Clancy said.

And so began the planning and alerting everyone that, as Clancy said,‘we’re having a party on the 15th.’ Getting baseball players involved seemed a natural part of that idea. And with their ties to former players and local celebrities, the idea came together quickly.

They reached out to former Yankees player David Cone via Twitter, as well as former Mets player and current White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing. Newscasters Duke Castiglione, of ‘Fox Five, and Steve Lacy, of ‘Good Day’also got on board and guest bartended.

To the thrill of the crowd and flashing bulbs, David Cone stepped behind the bar and served drinks, followed by McEwing. Beforehand, McEwing wasn’t so sure his outing would be a success.

“I’ve never done it before,” he said, grinning. “But errors are ok. Hopefully, I’ll only make a few.”

Former pitcher Cone has a strong connection with New York baseball. He pitched for the Mets from 1987-1992 and for the Yankees from 1995-2000. He pitched the 16th perfect game in MLB history with the Yankees. McEwing was an outfielder for the Mets from 2000-2004 where he earned the nickname ‘Super Joe’ for his versatility to play all outfield positions. In his post-playing career he was named Manager of the Year in 2009 for the Winston Salem Dash.

McEwing’s ties to New York remain strong, as does his feeling toward the city and the people.

“I have so many great memories of the city playing in New York for five years. And being through 9/11 and being able to come back and help those devastated, I jumped at the chance,” said McEwing.

Former Yankees player Cecil Fielder also put in an appearance and happily mingled with excited guests and joining Cone behind the bar.

“I’m lucky enough to have friends in the media. And friends in baseball,” Clancy said.

Castiglione has a rich history with Clancy and Foley’s and was a bridge to bring Lacy into the mix.

“Shawn has known Duke for the longest time and told him that he was putting together a fundraiser for Sandy victims,” said John Mooney of Over The Moon PR, which handled the event. “Duke also mentioned bringing in Steve. He mentioned it on-air and that promo helped.”

The event was also promoted on Twitter, putting the message out daily to their almost 3,000 followers. By 7 PM on Thursday, they weren’t allowing any other patrons in, as a line formed outside the doors. All that promoting, work, and networking led to a glowing success.

In a cozy bar such as Foley’s is, it’s hard not to feel that even with strangers you are among friends.

Bonded by a common goal, we were.

For Ray Negron, a chance “meeting” with George Steinbrenner changed the course of his life.  In his new book, “Yankee Miracles”,  Negron recalls how the encounter, “saved my life.”  In return, he’s now trying to help others believe that anything is possible.

Born and bred in the Bronx, the then-17 Negron’s vandalism of the House That Ruth Built – he was spray painting a “NY” logo on a wall at Yankee Stadium — was interrupted by none other than the late Boss himself, who instead of calling the cops, gave the troubled kid a job, and as it turns out, an incredible opportunity.

“Yes, baseball saved me,” said Negron, “The day Mr. Steinbrenner found me, I was with two cousins and two brothers. The two cousins are both dead from drugs and my two brothers have been in and out of prisons most of their lives.”

“Yankee Miracles” pulls no punches and details how given a job as a Yankee bat boy, Negron was embraced by the Yankees. People like Steinbrenner, Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson made a lasting impression on him that “lasts to this day”.

“The three of them had such an effect on me,” Negron said. “Billy was such a good man, a religious man, and he used to tell me ‘Ray, you can do whatever you want to do.’

“He was right.”

Soon after, Negron embarked on an amazing journey that took him to places like being Willie Randolph’s minor league double play partner, acting in Francis Ford Coppola’s Cotton Club and later, working as a player agent and confidant to people like Roberto Alomar, Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.

I first met Ray when he released his first book, the award-winning “The Boy Of Steel“, which was published six years ago. Since then, Negron has released “The Greatest Story Never Told – The Babe and Jackie” and “One Last Time – Good-Bye To Yankee Stadium”. Each of this powerfully written book, all written for children, were part of Negron’s continuing effort to pay forward the kindness — and opportunity — given to him by the Yankees.

He’s appeared in the pages of Gotham Baseball magazine, as well as on the show I used to host at the since-closed Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant , so when I was first sent the book “Yankee Miracles”, I wasn’t really sure I needed to read it. I’d interviewed Ray several times, so what what would be in the book that I didn’t already know?

A lot, as it turns out.

Negron will be a guest on Thursday’s “Gotham Baseball LIVE” to talk abut the new book.

The book is a great read, and an inspiring one as well. For years, Negron has made dozens of charities a priority in his life, and a portion of the proceeds of “Yanke Miracles” are going to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as other charities for Cancer research.

You can order the book now at YankeeMiracles.com and also follow the author and his book, as well as upcoming signings and events at Facebook and Twitter @Yankeemiracles

“We’re here for a very short time, and what you do with that time is important,” Negron said. “Especially when you have kids, you have to do what you do for the betterment of mankind. It’s not like I’m a rich guy or anything like that, I came in with nothing, and I’m going to leave with nothing.”

“I (just) want to know when I’m nearing the end, that I can have peace with myself, so when I meet my Maker, I can half at least half-way decent standing with him, know what I mean?”

Yes, Ray, we do. And after reading “Yankee Miracles”, everyone else will too.

The Cyclones and SI Yankees have finished August fighting to reach very different goals.

Brooklyn has solidly battled for a playoffs spot, while Staten Island is hoping to finishg the season in third, not dead last. Both are playing very good baseball to make those things happen.

For all Staten Island’s woes, they weren’t short on talent. Nothing ever quite clicked and inconsistency dogged them. Player of the Year was 1B/DH Saxon Butler’s to lose, but, because he was so good, the Yankees promoted him to Class-A Charleston. After he was out of the contest, the decision was more difficult.

On the Cyclones side, their pitching was outstanding both in relief and in the rotation. There was plenty of excellence to choose from.

Overall, both teams had their extreme weaknesses and solid talent.

Brooklyn Cyclones:

Player Of The Year

Brandon Nimmo, Outfielder – The Mets 2011 first round pick (13th overall) has been through the fires in his first full professional season after playing just ten games in the GCL in 2011. His difficulties have not kept him from putting up the numbers to lead the team in a number of offensive categories. And on a team that struggled at the plate all season, he stood way out. In 65 games played, he knocked in a team-best 39 runs, 64 hits, and 45 walks. He also hit 5 home runs and collected 20 doubles. He needs to cut down on the strikeouts. His 73 K’s were third in the league. But he’s shown an ability to adjust with each at-bat and exhibit patience and maturity in his approach.

Starting Pitcher Of The Year

Hansel Robles – The M, L, and R train was hard to stop in 2012. Luis Mateo, Rainy Lara, and Robles led the league in strikeouts, with Robles 66 K’s third in the pack. The RHP’s 1.11 ERA leads the league. In 72.2 innings (second by a tick to Mateo’s 73.1) he walked just 10 batters and gave up zero home runs. His 0.78 WHIP is also the league’s lowest. In 12 games started he went 6-1.

Relief Pitcher Of The Year

John Mincone – The lefty led the team in saves with 5 and could be counted on to pitch in long or short relief. He finished July 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Left-handed hitters had a tough time getting anything off of him, with his ERA a superb 0.71. In 28 innings he walked 5 batters, allowed no home runs, and struck out 28.

Staten Island Yankees:

Player Of The Year

Taylor Dugas, Outfielder – Dugas .471 OBP leads the league and, in conjunction, so do his 48 walks. He led the Cyclones with a .318 BA as does his 64 hits and 37 runs scored. In 56 games the righhander made just 4 errors on a team that struggled defensively. He has remained a consistent contact hitter, with 30 hits in August, and 21 in July. He closed out August with a .883 OPS in 25 games played.

Starting Pitcher Of The Year

Evan Rutckyj – The LHP led the rotation in innings pitched with 72.1 under his belt and also led the way with 60 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA from 5.19 to 3.72 between July and August. He only surrendered an impressive 3 home runs all season.

Relief Pitcher Of The Year

Taylor Garrison – Garrison led the Yankees with 8 saves in 24.2 innings of work. The righty ended August with a 0.70 ERA, allowing just one walk and striking out ten. Lefthanders hit just 0.86 off of him. He did not allow a home run all season. He went 0-2 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP

*All stats current at time of publication..

Staten Island, NY – The Staten Island Yankees (15-26) have struggled in a number of key areas, but the raw talent has also been on display throughout July.

Early in their development, struggling with consistency, they’ve got the same energy of their college playing time that’s only a few months behind many of them. They’re learning under the steady hand of manager Justin Pope, who’s guiding them both delicately and with discipline and encouragement.

Three players have been impact offensive producers and shown their individual strengths. Matt Snyder and Saxon Butler, who’ve shared the 1B/DH role, have hit consistently. Butler has hit .309 with a league leading 10 home runs, while Snyder has hit .304 and his .403 OBP is fourth overall. Outfielder Taylor Dugas .476 OBP leads the NYPL, as does his 29 walks.

The pitching has struggled, but, lately, picked it up a bit.

With a 4.10 team ERA, they are in the bottom five in the league. They got a strong outing this week from Gabriel Encinas (3-2, 2.77). And Derek Varnadore (1-3, 2.39), working long relief, has been solid in 26 innings. He’s struck out 23 and allowed just six walks.

Here are quotes from some of the players, as well as hitting coach Ty Hawkins.

Ty Hawkins

On… Wes Wilson

He’s not one of those guys that’s playing everyday, but when he gets in there, he performs well. It’s his second year and so we’re continuing to work on what we worked on then. It seems like it’s really taken hold.

Saxon Butler

I think what it is for him is that when he stays relaxed and doesn’t press, he’s able to let things happen more for him. He’s faced some pretty good pitching the last few days and it’s been a good test.

Home runs: Yeah, that’s the one thing we gotta keep on him about. Just make sure he’s not trying to do too much.

Matt Snyder

He’s another one that in the beginning of the year he was 1-30 and I give him a lot of credit for working everyday and trying to get everything right. He’s more relaxed. It was a transition from the first part of the season back into it for these college guys. But he’s finding his groove now. If he gets a little excited about not performing, I gotta stay on him and help him calm down.
Taylor Dugas

He came with that [patience]. He’s one of the leading hitters in Alabama’s history. He’s got a gift. He doesn’t get all nervous. He’s a pretty even keel guy. He knows what he has to do to hit. Trust is a lot of it.

Matt Snyder

“I feel more comfortable, more relaxed. I know what to expect now. I was on the tip of my toes worrying about everything, but I realized it’s more laid back.“ Matt Snyder

“Ty Hawkins helping make sure I don’t lunge at the ball.”

“Getting to the field so early and all the stuff we have to do before games.”

“I’ve been trying to gain a lot more weight. Eating and drinking a lot more water. I’m working with our weight coach a lot. JOE. Last summer I weighed 222 and I’m like 208 right now, so I need to get that back.”

Yankees: “I can’t possibly put into words how special it is for me to be on the Yankees. Ever since I was little, I’ve been a Yankees fan. My dad and my grandparents and my uncle always talked about the Yankees and so I grew up a Yankees fan. Like if you have a tough day, you go out there and you don’t hit, after the game, you’re upset, then you realize you’re a Yankee still.”

Wes Wilson

“It’s been a blast. It’s my second year here and I know the ropes a little bit. Even De Luca and I are two of the returning guys so naturally at the beginning of the season, guys are kind of asking you questions and we’re able work closely with the coaching staff a little bit.”

“It’s a lot easier to get up when you’ve got 5,000 fans here.”

“You want to be the best team in New York. Whether you’re in short season A-ball or in the big leagues. And these fans don’t care about the difference. These Yankees fans just want to see the Mets pounded into the ground.”

Staten Island, NY – Wyoming, a state without high school baseball, hasn’t had success in producing top baseball talent. Brandon Nimmo could change that.

He made his professional debut last year, appearing in ten games between the GCL and Appalachian Leagues. In June, Nimmo truly began life as a New York kid, after being assigned to the Class-A short season Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York Penn League.

“It’s a big culture shock,” said Nimmo at MCU Park, home of the Cyclones.

It’s 36 games into the season and the Cyclones have played outstanding baseball. The team has dominated their division and, largely, the entire league, going 21-15.

For his part Nimmo, 19, has hit .228 with 20 RBI, 2 home runs and 26 walks. Four weeks into the season he had a .500 OBP and a .750 SLG.

“It’s been great, I’m enjoying it. It’s all different, but I’m adjusting to it and getting in a routine.”

He mentions Cyclones catcher Kevin Plawecki as someone he’s particularly close to, but is quick to point out that the team is overall a close-knit group.

“I’m the rookie guy, I haven’t played as much as a few of them. But the nice thing is some of them just got drafted. I’ve been in the system for a year, so I can help them out too. We’re all trying to help each other out.”

This is a league filled with players drafted together, many who played with or against one another, but despite familiarity, there’s still been challenges. Playing professionally and in new surroundings took some getting used to.

But from June to July, Nimmo feels he’s gotten into a comfort zone.

“A lot different. Beginning of the season, [I was] nervous. I was still trying to adjust to the speed of the game. Now I’ve settled in a little bit. Adjusted to the new team and the rhythm of the game. I feel like two different players. A lot more confidence.”

His development is being closely followed by Mets fans, much like Zack Wheeler and, despite the injury woes, still, Reese Havens. But whatever his expectations, he exhibits a mix of patience and ambition when asked about the distant future.

“I expect to be here [in 2013]. I think [starting at higher level] is a good goal to put in my head right now, but we’ll see.”

(Editor’s Note – Gotham Baseball is pleased to welcome back Jessica Quiroli to our pages, as she’ll be covering — along with award-winning author and longtime Gotham Baseball writer Ed Shakespeare — the Staten Island Yankees and Brooklyn Cyclones for Gotham Baseball this season. – MH)

The Brooklyn Cyclones faced the Wilmington Crosscutters in Game 2 of a three-game series last Thursday, with Rainy Lara on the mound for Brooklyn. The Crosscutters won 5-4.

Here’s a report on Lara’s third start for the team this season:

Strong points: Lara consistently got bats swinging largely due to effective fastball location; First pitch strikes were plenty in this outing; Consistently got guys out with a 3-2 fastball that looked to be mid-nineties; Impressive confidence when he got into trouble. Even with baserunners on first and third, he never appeared frustrated and for the most part continued to attack hitters on the inside part of the plate.

Weaknesses: Lara struggled to get the corners for strikes, when he tried to get around hitters, he paid for it, including the booming three-run homerun he gave up to DH Chris Serritella in the fifth; He was more distracted by the runners on base that time and a conference on the mound was called by manager Rich Donnelly just before the home run that gave the Crosscutters a 4-1 advantage; He allowed a walk to Brian Pointer after missing outside for two pitches to the Crosscutters centerfielder. When he struggled to work off his fastball and pound the strike zone, he hurt himself.

Overall there was little to dislike about the outing, despite one very big mistake. Truthfully, to the trained eye that mistake was inevitable if he was to continue to try to go away from hitters with a less than effective slider. When he did that, hitters either stayed away or made contact. The raw material is there. It was good to see him allow contact and trust his fielders.

Lara was tagged for his first loss of 2012.

The righty is continuing to find his confidence as a starter. In 2011 he was a solid closer for the GCL Mets, going 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA in 16 appearances. Despite a difficult start Thursday night, he’s had a great start to the season entering Thursday’s contest 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA.

(Editor’s Note – Gotham Baseball is pleased to welcome back Jessica Quiroli to our pages, as she’ll be covering — along with award-winning author and longtime Gotham Baseball writer Ed Shakespeare — the Staten Island Yankees and Brooklyn Cyclones for Gotham Baseball this season. – MH)

(Staten Island, NY) Saxon Butler has just begun his professional baseball career, but his maturity and intensity level has already been noted.

“He’s just fearless,” said Staten Island Yankees manager Justin Pope. “Not being afraid of going out there and sticking with his plan. He’s not playing to the lights, playing it different because it’s New York or the Yankees. It seems like nothing fazes him. He has an at-bat, forgets about it, and goes up next time and it’s a completely different at-bat.”

The infielder was drafted in June in the 33rd round out of Samford University. There he played the majority of games at first base, hitting .355 in 60 games and hit a university record-setting 26 doubles. After being drafted, he was quickly assigned to the New York Penn League SI Yankees, Class-A affiliate of the Yankees. Mostly batting third for the team, he’s hitting .367 in 30 at-bats.

He’s also hit two home runs, something Pope stresses the 6’2, 239 pound twenty-two-year old might be inclined to attempt fairly regularly.

“[He's learning] staying under control. Sometimes he takes some really big swings. He has to trust himself and not try to hit the ball to the city. Could be his size, could be that he’s getting a little anxious. He needs to stay relaxed and short to the ball.”

Butler’s anxiety could be a product of a game that, naturally, moves at a different pace in pro ball.

“It speeds up on you,” Butler said. “Eventually I’ll get the hang of it. You just have to stay in shape.”

The Yankees, they of the big power numbers, know what they’re getting in Butler. Their ability to develop high quality players has often been overlooked. But while they’ve fallen under criticism for sloppiness in the development department, Saxon seems tailor-made for the Yankees.

Mentality matters a lot. But with the Yankees there is a heightened expectation, a required appearance and an overall understanding of the high standard they place on their players. You cannot melt under those hot lights generated by the attention on the team.

“He’s very coachable. He’s still getting there, as is everybody. It’s more teaching him how to become a professional. Teaching him to come in and get your dailly work in and what it takes. What we do here and what we expect with the Yankees,” said Pope.

So far, the former Alabama All-State infielder has been effective, possibly due to his quick adjustment to the pitching, which, he acknowledges is actually not much of one at all.

“Most of the guys in this league came out of college, so basically we’re seeing a lot of the same pitching we’ve seen the last four years.”

He’s picked up on some differences that have more to do with the little white ball.

“There’s really no seams on these balls. You get a lot more backspin on them. Pitchers breaking balls can be better, but you can also hit the ball further. The only thing is adjusting from aluminum to wood. You have to make sure you stay on it. You can’t pull off.”

In Pope, the SI Yanks appear to have found the perfect equalizer and guide through this growth process. He’s clear on how he must approach a player of Butler’s ripe age and experience.

“They’re just young. You have to keep repeating yourself. They say it’s the ‘say it again league’. Sometimes they may be messing around, but it’s because they’re young. They don’t know any better. So I’m not going to be out there ranting and raving and being impatient. I’m just letting them know I’m hear for them. To teach them.”

Defensively Butler is making the bigger adjustment, he explained that, “They have me playing more off the line here than in college. I’m just playing further off. So it’s a longer trip to the bag. You’ve got make sure you get your reads.”

For now it’s baby steps. To the bag and at the plate. That fearlessness ought to help.

Everything is on the internet. These guys get done and right when they get done BP, they go in there and get on the internet. Check out their buddies and seeing who did what. They want to be good. They want to get their confidence.

Gotham Baseball is proud to announce the release of its latest issue, The 2012 Early Season Issue, featuring stories about the Past, Present and Future of New York’s Game.

Co-Publishers Mark Healey (Gotham Baseball) and Joseph M. Lara (JML Media) are especially pleased with this newest issue, which features on its cover another amazing illustration by the award-winning John Pennisi, whose work has graced many a cover of Gotham Baseball Baseball.

They are also proud to announce that Gotham Baseball is an official partner of the 2012 New York City Mayor’s Cup Baseball and Softball all-star games where the cities best high school players will be showcasing their talents in front of tens of thousands of fans.

As for the magazine, this latest issue includes:

Talking Baseball With Mario Cuomo – Charles Hollon sits down with former Governor Mario Cuomo, who just helped the owners of the Mets save their team.

Rolling The Dice With Grover Powell – Longtime Gotham Baseball writer Chip Armonaitis shares his love for the greatest of all baseball board games; Strat-O-Matic!

Clearing The Bases – Fantasy Expert George Kurtz talks about the best Fantasy Baseball players among the Mets and Yankees.

Homegrown Hero – Gary Armida believes the Yankees are Robinson Cano’s team now.

Farewell to the Kid – GB Executive Editor Mark Healey says goodbye to the great Hall of Famer is his own way.

This issue can be read on all mobile devices, including the iPad, Nook, and smartphones, and is  available for FREE download here.

About Gotham Baseball

Gotham Baseball was founded and first published in 2005. Its mission is to fully cover the past, present and future of the New York baseball. Gotham Baseball, first recognized by Amazon.com as one of the Top 10 New magazines of 2005 (and the only sports magazine on the list), reports the latest news, photos and features on the New York game, from the big leagues, the minor leagues and independent leagues, from the Old Time game to the college game. Once a print publication, the entire print run of Gotham Baseball Magazine is part of the permanent archive at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s A. Bartlett Giamatti Research Center in Cooperstown, NY. For more information, visit Gotham Baseball online at GothamBaseball.com

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For more information or to schedule an interview with Mark Healey or Joseph M. Lara, please contact Faith Ballantine-Armonaitis at (201) 288-6312 or email, faithpr@optonline.net.

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Contact: Faith Ballantine-Armonaitis

Tel. 201.288.6312

Email: faithpr@optonline.net

Andy Pettitte is one step closer to the start of a renewed career as a Yankee.

The Trenton Thunder was his team this week, joining the rotation after making two starts in the Florida State League for Tampa. He threw 81 pitches, 59 of them strikes, on Wednesday against the Erie Seawolves. The Thunder eventually fell to the Seawolves 10-4.

Pettitte was himself for the most part. He challenged hitters to make contact, utilizing his slider and fastball. He isn’t at full strength and that was obvious in his execution. The Erie Seawolves, the Detroit Tigers affiliate, 4th in Eastern League team average, swung often, but smart. They got 14 hits overall, three of them from second baseman Brandon Douglas.

By the time Pettitte was pulled in the 6th after Robert Brantly, ranked 7th in the Tigers system by Baseball America singled, he’d been bruised, but not battered, and tagged for the loss.
Michael Pineda is now on the DL and on the day that news was made official, Pettitte’s progress took on new urgency.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with the media after Pettitte’s performance and clarified that the location of his next start is undecided.

“He’s got to go through the right motions. There’s his age and taking a year off, so he’ll be ready when he’s ready,” Cashman said in response to a reporter’s question about the effect of Pineda’s health. “Our next step we’ll see how he feels. After each start we basically take a step back and that’s why there was a lot of anticipation about whether he’s going to be here. We kind of wait, look at the weather, see how he’s feeling, and then slot him. Right now we’ll see how he feels tomorrow from this and start looking at the weather and schedules to see what would make the most sense.”

Cashman also said that they would take a few days to make that decision.

Due to the rainout, originally slated pitcher Jared Wesson wasn’t on the mound. Instead it was righty Zack Segovia. Segovia went six innings, allowing three runs on two hits and picked up the win.
The Seawolves were excited to face a pitcher almost assuredly a future-Hall of Famer. The challenge and opportunity was a boost in the pre-game clubhouse.

“Absolutely,” said Seawolves manager Chris Cron. “It’s no secret what’s going on today. “

By the 3rd, Pettitte already showed some signs of tiring. Not his best night, but in the overall picture, for a 39-year-old destined for the Hall of Fame, it was a small success. And it was still something special.

“It makes an April 25th game more than regular April 25th,” Cron said.