Here's a story from the Associated Press talking about probable future Thunder pitcher Pat Venditte, who is scheduled to pitch today against the Braves in a game that is currently being played.

TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees minor league ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte is expected to pitch in his first major league spring training game during Tuesday's split-squad contest against Atlanta.

Venditte, who uses a six-finger glove, pitched at Class-A Charleston and Tampa last season, posting a combined 4-2 record with 22 saves. Venditte is an Omaha, Neb., native who pitched at Creighton University.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi says he has wanted to see Venditte pitch all spring.

Girardi earlier this spring asked that Venditte be sent over for a big league game from the minor league complex.

Yankees opening day starter CC Sabathia is scheduled to start the game with the Braves.

Also, reliever Alfredo Aceves has back tightness and will not pitch for the next few days.

Once again, the injury bug has bitten Alan Horne.

The former Thunder hurler and 2007 Eastern League Pitcher of the Year was diagnosed last week with a more than 80 percent tear of his right rotator cuff, requiring what will likely be season-ending surgery. The procedure will be performed by the renowned Dr. James Andrews, at his clinic in Birmingham, Ala., on April 9.

“(It’s) obviously not something anybody wants, but it’s got to be done,” Horne said, via text message.

This marks the third surgery Horne has had performed by Dr. Andrews. The first, a Tommy John procedure, came after his freshman season in high school. He also had another partial rotator cuff tear, along with some fray along the labrum, fixed toward the end of the 2008 season.

A little offense this time, but not enough pitching to stave off a tie.

PITCHING
David Phelps: 3 innings, 2 runs
Noel Castillo: 3 innings, 0 runs
Brad Rulon: 1 inning, 0 runs
HITTING
Dan Brewer: Solo HR
Jose Gil: Single, Run
Ray Kruml: Triple, RBI, Run
Kevin Smith: Single, RBI
Luis Nunez: Double, RBI
Walter Ibarra: Single

Tepid day for the Thunder offense, which could collect just four singles off of Pirates pitching.

PITCHING
Jeremy Bleich: 5 shutout innings
Ryan Pope: 3 innings, 3 runs
Wilkin De La Rosa: 1 shutout inning

HITTING

Austin Krum: Single
Luis Nunez: Single
Jose Gil: Single
Addison Maruszak: Single

Frankie Piliere, a former Rangers scout and a contributor to AOL Fanhouse, watched Christian Garcia toss five shutout innings while leading the Double-A workgroup the other day in Tampa, Fla.

Garcia, a former top prospect who has had his career derailed by injury after injury, still possesses premium stuff when healthy. He's going to make his third try at Trenton this season, and, if every goes well, don't be surprised to see him chewing up bats in the Bronx by the end of the season.

On the plus side, because he was a high school draftee, all injuries haven't totally blocked his career. He's still just 24, and for all intents and purposes has thrown just 140 2/3 innings since 2006, meaning his arm, while heavily scarred, remains remarkably fresh.

Piliere had kind words for Garcia's stuff: a mid-90s fastball, hammer curveball and changeup, even going so far as to compare his downer to that of A.J. Burnett. Here's a link to the article, which also has good things to say about Phillies prospect Phillippe Aumont, who may face the Thunder this season.

Once again, per the Thunder and Tim Lentych. Zach McAllister started in the Double-A work group today, probably because CC Sabathia started for the Triple-A work group. With that said, here are the results of today's loss.

PITCHERS
Zach McAllister: 3 2/3 innings, 2 runs
Lance Pendleton: 3 1/3 innings, 3 runs
Wilkins Arias: 2 innings, 0 runs

HITTERS
Austin Romine: Two singles
Brandon Laird: Two singles
Ray Kruml: Single, Triple, Run
Jeff Farnham: Single
Kevin Mahoney: RBI

I made an attempt earlier this offseason to predict the Thunder's opening day roster. Considering that was on December 30, a lot has changed. Myron Leslie has been added to the fold. Edwar Gonzalez and Marcos Vechionacci, minor league free agents, have been re-signed. Kyle Anson has retired. Chris Malec and Seth Fortenberry have been released.

With all those changes in mind, here's my second attempt at predicting the Thunder's Opening Day roster:

SP - Jeremy Bleich
SP - Christian Garcia
SP - Hector Noesi
SP - D.J. Mitchell
SP - Lance Pendleton
P - Ryan Pope
P - Wilkin De La Rosa
P - David Phelps
P - Adam Olbrychowski
P - Philip Bartleski
P - Craig Heyer
P - Pat Venditte
P - Jonathan Ortiz

C - Austin Romine
C- Jose Gil
1B - Kevin Smith
2B - David Adams
3B - Brandon Laird
SS - Walter Ibarra
IF - Marcos Vechionacci
OF - Edwar Gonzalez
OF - Austin Krum
OF - Dan Brewer
OF - Myron Leslie

Once again, per the Thunder via trainer Tim Lentych.

PITCHING

Christian Garcia: 5 shutout innings
Craig Heyer: 3 innings, 2 runs

HITTING

Austin Krum: Double, Single, HBP, 3 runs
Myron Leslie: 2-run HR
Austin Romine: Triple, 2 RBIs
Marcos Vechionacci: 2 singles, 2 RBIs
Brandon Laird: Single, RBI
Walter Ibarra: Single
Eduardo Sosa: Walk, Single, Run

According to Patrick Teale of Pinstripes Plus, and (partially) via Chad Jennings at Lohud, here is the list of nine Yankees minor leaguers released. The hyperlinks on each player's name sends you to their player card at milb.com

Chris Malec
Seth Fortenberry
Mike Lyon
Isaac Harrow
Julian Arballo
Griffin Bailey
Buck Afenir
Dan Miller
Paul Heidler

As per Mike Axisa of River Avenue Blues and Donnie Collins of the Scranton Times-Tribune, former Thunder infielder Chris Malec was released today by the Yankees. Last year's Fan Favorite Award winner, Malec hit .272 with nine home runs and 69 RBIs. He also scored 50 runs and clubbed 24 runs.

Even if his numbers didn't earn him the ultimate prize, Malec was a good guy who will always be remembered as one of the nicer, more fan- and media-friendly players to come through Waterfront Park. He met every question and every autograph request with the same zeal and thoughtfulness.

There were rumblings around the clubhouse toward the end of last season that he wanted to become a coach somewhere down the line, and I'm honestly surprised the club didn't keep him around in a Carlos Mendoza-esque capacity. That is, he'd play some days, but mostly hang around to guide younger players new to the upper levels.

My former colleague Eleazer Gorenstein wrote a feature some time ago about Malec and outfielder Colin Curtis, both testicular cancer survivors. The way Malec was able to battle that disease head on leaves no doubt that, whatever his path from here on, success will always be in the offing.

UPDATE: Yankees Director of Scouting Damon Oppenheimer confirms Malec's release.

UPDATE: A source confirms that former Thunder outfielder Seth Fortenberry has also been released.

Opening Day at Waterfront Park is just more than two weeks away, and there are many questions that still need answers.

How will the rotation shake out?

Will Brandon Laird play first or third base?

How about shortstop?

Where does Myron Leslie fit?

All these questions — as well as many others — will be addressed starting a week from today, when I travel to Tampa, Fla. to kick off The Trentonian’s coverage of Thunder spring training.
Over those four days, I’ll be working hard to glean every piece of information needed to provide the clearest picture possible of what the team will look like come April 8.

I’ll be in attendance at the Yankees game with the Minnesota Twins on March 31, the Thunder’s home games against the Pirates and Blue Jays, respectively, on April 1 and 2, and the Yankees vs. Future Yankees game on April 3 at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Look for coverage on Twitter (jnorris427), on my blog, through videos on The Trentonian’s Web site, and, of course, in the paper itself.
•••
The Thunder lost yesterday, 4-1, against the Blue Jays’ Double-A work group. Here are few notable stats from the game, provided by the team through trainer Tim Lentych.
Pitching
D.J. Mitchell: 3 IP, 3 runs
Noel Castillo: 2 IP, 1 run
Jonathan Hovis: 2 IP, 0 runs
Pat Venditte: 2 IP, 0 runs
Hitting
Austin Romine: Single
Walter Ibarra: Single
Ray Kruml: Single, RBI
Jeff Farnham: Double, run

Here are some notable accomplishments in the Thunder's second exhibition game of the season, a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. All information provided by the team, courtesy of trainer Tim Lentych.

Ryan Pope: 2 1/3 IP, R
David Phelps: 2 2/3 IP, 0 R
Wilkin De La Rosa: 2 1/3 IP, 3 R
Phil Bartleski: 1 1/3 IP, R

Austin Krum: Double
Damon Sublett: Single
Ryan Baker: Double
Walter Ibarra: Triple, Single, R
Dan Brewer: Single, RBI

Spring training games for minor leaguers have begun down in Tampa, and the Thunder front office has kindly agreed to forward some of the results my way. Here are some of the notable stat lines from the Thunder's intrasquad game with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

Jeremy Bleich: 4 innings of shutout ball
Trenton Lare: 2 innings, 2 runs

Ray Kruml: Triple
Marcos Vechionacci: Triple, 3 RBIs, run scored
Kevin Smith: Double, RBI, BB
Walter Ibarra: Single, Double
Addison Maruszak: Solo HR
Eduardo Sosa: Triple, Single, RBI
Myron Leslie: 2-R HR
Jose Gil: Single, R

According to ESPN and former Washington Times beat man Mark Zuckerman, Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen will both begin 2010 with the Harrisburg Senators, who open the season April 8 in Altoona.

Strasburg, the top pitching prospect in baseball, will be sure to draw a huge crowd when he makes his Metro Bank Park debut on April 15 against New Britain.

Perhaps unable to wait for minor league free agency, and buoyed by an organization that is becoming increasingly stocked with catchers, former Thunder backstop Kyle Anson has called it a career. The story was first hinted at by a reader in last week's Trentonian Web chat, and was confirmed this morning on Twitter by Trentonian correspondent Mike Ashmore.

A naturally confident guy who could almost always be seen sporting his trademark cowboy hat and boots after games, Anson didn't hit as well as he might've liked last season, sporting just a .227 batting average to go with a .319 slugging percentage. He did, however, put together an excellent .374 on-base percentage, due mostly to the fact that he drew a lot of walks. Throughout his career, in fact, Anson walked 159 times and fanned just 147.

Anson was slated to return to Double-A this season, as the backup for Austin Romine. Problem was, Anson felt he deserved a chance to start, and this just wasn't the organization for him.

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my second Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, tomorrow at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's leader Saturday was Alfredo Aceves, who continued his strong spring with four innings of one run ball. The sexy names might be Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, but Aceves is making it harder and harder for Joe Girardi not to give him strong consideration.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 0-for-1
Jorge Vazquez: 0-for-1
Francisco Cervelli: 2-for-3
Jose Gil: 0-for-1
Eduardo Nunez: 0-for-2
Ramiro Pena: 0-for-3
Jose Tabata (PIT): 1-for-3
Anthony Claggett (PIT): .2 IP, 0 ER, BB
Eric Hacker (SF): 2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BBs, 3 Ks
Zach Kroenke (ARI): IP, 0 ER

Future Thunder category:
Austin Romine: 1-for-1

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Caleb Joseph (BAL): 0-for-1
Domonic Brown (PHI): o-for-1
Ben Revere (MIN): 0-for-1, R
Yamaico Navarro (BOS): 1-for-1
Jose Iglesias (BOS): 1-for-2, R
Cale Iorg (DET): 0-for-1
Audy Ciriaco (DET): 1-for-2, RBI, BB
Drew Storen (WSH): IP, H, BB, 2 Ks
Jenrry Mejia (NYM): 2 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 Ks
Andy Oliver (DET): 2 IP, H, K

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my second Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Tuesday, March 16, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

Because the Yankees were rained out, the leaders here are Jose Tabata and Kanekoa Texeira. Tabata, a Thunder outfielder in 2008, went for 1-for-4 with a triple for the Pirates. Texeira, who was invaluable in the Thunder's pen last season, pitched a scoreless frame for the Mariners. Texeira was selected by Seattle in this year's Rule 5 Draft.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Austin Jackson (DET): 1-for-3
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 0-for-3
Ian Kennedy (ARI) 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K

Future Thunder category:
None

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 0-for-1
Yohan Flande (PHI): IP, K
Freddy Galvis (PHI): 1-for-3, R, RBI
Yamaico Navarro (BOS): 2-for-3, R, RBI
Che-Hsuan Lin (BOS): 1-for-3, R, RBI
Chris Parmalee (MIN): 0-for-2
Matt Angle (BAL): 0-for-1
Audy Ciriaco (DET): 0-for-1
Lars Anderson (BOS) 0-for-4
Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE): 0-for-1
Nick Noonan (SFG): 1-for-1, R

Per Scranton Times-Tribune beat writer Donnie Collins' blog, here is the opening work group list for Trenton down at minor league camp in spring training, which I'll be attending from March 31-April 4. Most of these guys won't wind up with Trenton to start the year, because most of the expected Thunder players are still in major league camp (i.e. Austin Romine).

Pitchers: Ryan Acosta, Griffin Bailey, Noel Castillo, Jonathan Hovis, Dickson Marquez, Dan Miller, Luke Prihoda, Ben Watkins, Manny Barreda, Francisco Gil, Trenton Lare, Richard Martinez, David Phelps, Brad Rulon
Catchers: Buck Afenir, Jeff Farnham, Myron Leslie, Jhorge Liccien
Infielders: David Adams, Isaac Harrow, Walter Ibarra, Kevin Mahoney, Addison Maruszak, Kevin Smith, Marcos Vechionacci
Outfielders: Dan Brewer, Isaiah Brown, Austin Krum, Ray Kruml, Justin Milo, Eduardo Sosa, Damon Sublett

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my second Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Tuesday, March 16, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's leader Wedneday was Jorge Vazquez (or, as some call him, The Jorge Vazquez Experience). He had a double and drove a pair of runs in the Yankees' win over the Tigers.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 0-for-2
Reegie Corona: 2-for-2, R
Jorge Vazquez: 1-for-2, 2B, 2 RBIs
Colin Curtis: 1-for-2, 2B, SB
Ramiro Pena: 0-for-3
Grant Duff: 1 IP, H, 0 R, W
Ryan Pope: 1 IP, H, 2 K, Save
Austin Jackson (DET): 1-for-4, R
Phil Coke (DET): 1 IP, H, ER, HR (Mark Teixeira)
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 1-for-1, R
Omir Santos (NYM): 1-for-4
Jose Tabata (PIT): 1-for-1

Future Thunder category:
Andrew Brackman: 1 IP, 2 H, R, K
Austin Romine: 0-for-2

Future Eastern Leaguers:
J.C. Ramirez (PHI): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3K
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 0-for-1
Yamaico Navarro (BOS): 1-for-1
Che-Hsuan Lin (BOS): 1-for-2
Jose Iglesias (BOS): 0-for-2
Jacob Turner (DET): 1 IP, 2 BB, 3 K
Kyle Drabek (TOR): 2 IP, H, BB

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:
1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my second Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Tuesday, March 16, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:
Austin Jackson rules this one easily. A double and a long ball in two innings (both off of Tyler Walker) will do that for you. He also made contact off of Stephen Strasburg, and that's got to count for something.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 0-for-1, BB, R
Reegie Corona: 0-for-3
Eduardo Nunez: 0-for-2
Colin Curtis: 0-for-0, BB
Jorge Vazquez: 0-for-1
Jesus Montero: 0-for-2
Anthony Claggett (PIT): 1 IP, H
Austin Jackson (DET): 2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, 2B, HR

Future Thunder category:
Jeremy Bleich: 0.1 IP, H
Brandon Laird: 0-for-2
Hector Noesi: 2 IP, H, ER, 2K, HR

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Stephen Strasburg (WSH): 2 IP, 2H, 2K, 0 R
Yamaico Navarro (BOS): 2-for-4, R, 2B
Domonic Brown(PHI): 0-for-2
Matt Angle (BAL): 1-for-2, R, RBI
Ben Revere (MIN): 2-for-2, RBI

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A reminder:

I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's clear leader was Alfredo Aceves, who reminded everyone that the race for Yankees fifth starter is more than a two-horse race. Aceves tossed four perfect innings against the Pirates in a 6-0, one-hit victory.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 2-for-3, R
Reegie Corona: 0-for-4
Eduardo Nunez: 2-for-2, 2 R, RBI
P.J. Pilittere: 0-for-2
Jose Gil: 1-for-1, RBI
Colin Curtis: 0-for-1
Jesus Montero: 0-for-1
Ramiro Pena: 1-for-3, R
Ivan Nova: 2 IP, BB, H, K
Zach McAllister: 2 IP, BB
Amauri Sanit: 1.1 IP, 2H, 2K
Kevin Whelan: 0.2 IP, 2K
Steven Jackson (PIT): 1 IP
Phil Coke (DET): 1 IP, H
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 2-for-3, R, 4 RBIs, Grand Slam
Omir Santos (NYM): 1-for-2, R, 4 RBIs, Inside-the-Park Grand Slam
Ian Kennedy (ARI): 2 IP, 2H, BB, W
Zach Kroenke (ARI): 1 IP, 2H, ER, BS

Future Thunder category:
Austin Romine: 1-for-2, R
Brandon Laird: 1-for-2, 2B
Kyle Higashioka: 0-for-0, BB
Christian Garcia: 2 IP, H, ER, 2K, HR
Damon Sublett: 0-for-2, R
David Adams: 1-for-1, R, 2B

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Chase d'Arnaud (PIT): 0-for-0
Domonic Brown(PHI): 0-for-2
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (NYM): 0-for-1, BB, R
Jenrry Mejia (NYM): 3 IP, 2H, K
Matt Angle (BAL): 0-for-1
Ben Revere (MIN): 3-for-5, 2R, 2B
Deolis Guerra (MIN): 1 IP, 0 R
Chris Parmelee (MIN): 0-for-3, BB

For all of you who are awake now, here's a friendly reminder: I will be hosting my first Web chat of the spring later today (1 p.m.) on this very blog. The topics, of course, are: The Thunder, the Eastern League and Minor League Baseball. See you there.

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my first Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's leader Sunday was Jesus Montero, who came up with a pinch-hit double off of Twins reliever Jesse Crain in yet another lopsided Yankees loss (not that they mean anything, but sheesh).

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 0-for-1
Eduardo Nunez: 0-for-2
Jorge Vazquez: 0-for-2
Jesus Montero: 1-for-1, 2B
Ramiro Pena: 1-for-2
Ryan Pope: 1 IP, 0 R
Austin Jackson (DET): 1-for-2, R, SB
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 2-for-3, R, 4 RBIs, Grand Slam
Omir Santos (NYM): 1-for-2, R, 4 RBIs, Inside-the-Park Grand Slam
Ian Kennedy (ARI): 2 IP, 2H, BB, W
Zach Kroenke (ARI): 1 IP, 2H, ER, BS

Future Thunder category:
D.J. Mitchell: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, HR
Brandon Laird: 1-for-2
Kyle Higashioka: 0-for-0, BB

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Domonic Brown(PHI): 3-for-5, 2 RBIs, 2B, outfield assist
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 0-for-1
Phillippe Aumont (PHI): 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB
Ike Davis (NYM): 1-for-1, 2B
Caleb Joseph (BAL): 0-for-1
Matt Angle (BAL): 0-for-2
Casey Kelly (BOS): 2 IP, BB, SO
Yamaico Navarro (BOS): 0-for-4, RBI
Ben Revere (MIN): 2-for-5, R
Chris Parmelee (MIN): 0-for-1

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my first Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's leaders Saturday were infielders Kevin Russo and Reegie Corona, as well as outfielder Colin Curtis, all of whom recorded a hit apiece in a drubbing against Toronto.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Kevin Russo: 1-for-2
Reegie Corona: 1-for-3
Jorge Vazquez: 0-for-2
P.J. Pilittere: 0-for-2
Colin Curtis: 1-for-1, 2B, BB
Ramiro Pena: 0-for-1, RBI, BB, SB
Mark Melancon: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 SO
Grant Duff: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 SO
Amauri Sanit: 0.1 IP, H
Austin Jackson (DET): 2-for-2, R
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 1-for-2, R
Jose Valdez (HOU): 1 IP, 2 BB

Future Thunder category:
Andrew Brackman: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, HR
Brandon Laird: 1-for-2
Austin Romine: 1-for-3, R

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Domonic Brown(PHI): 2-for-3
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 0-for-1, SB
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (NYM): 2-for-5, R, 2 RBIs, 2B
Ike Davis (NYM): 3-for-5, R, 2 RBIs, 2B
Jose Iglesias (BOS): 0-for-1, R
Ben Revere (MIN): 0-for-4
Chris Parmelee (MIN): 0-for-1, R

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

A couple of reminders:

1. I'll be in Tampa for spring training from March 31-April 4. While there, I'll be writing, blogging, tweeting, taking pictures and recording video. I'll try to get as much information as I can about what the final roster will look like before the Thunder take the field against Erie on April 8.

2. I will host my first Web chat of the spring, on this very blog, on Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. I'll be taking questions about the Thunder, the Eastern League and all of Minor League Baseball. Mark it down.

Former Thunder category:

The Thunder's leader yesterday was Jeremy Bleich, who got the Yankees out of a bad situation with a ground ball to shortstop in exhibition action with the Rays in Tampa.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Jesus Montero: 0-for-1, BB, R
Eduardo Nunez: 1-for-2, R, RBI
Kevin Russo: 1-for-2, R, RBI, BB
Reegie Corona: 0-for-1, BB, R
Jorge Vazquez: 1-for-2, RBI
Kevin Whelan: 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB
Grant Duff: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 SO
Mike Dunn (ATL): 1.1 IP, O H, O R, 1 BB, 1 SO
Jose Tabata (PIT): 0-for-3, RBI, BB
Austin Jackson (DET): 0-for-2, BB
Randy Ruiz (TOR): 2-for-2, R

Future Thunder category:
Hector Noesi: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (unearned)
Jeremy Bleich: .1 IP, 0 H, o R (induced inning-ending grounder)

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Domonic Brown(PHI): 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
Juan Ramirez (PHI): 1.1 IP, 4 H. 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 2-for-2, 2 R, HR, 2 RBIs
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (NYM): 0-for-1
Tony Sanchez(PIT): 1-for-1, HR

Opening Day's is a little more than a month away, which means now is as good a time as any to kickoff what I hope weekly event during the season.

On Wednesday (March 10) I invite all of my readers to bring their questions to the table for a Web chat with yours truly. The chat will last approximately one hour and will cover anything you want to ask about the Thunder, the Eastern League, or Minor League Baseball as a whole.

Here's my plan for the coverage this season:

- Web chats once a week (hopefully one to two of those will be video chats)

- Video clips from every home games, as well as all road games in Bowie, some in Harrisburg and Reading, and the EL All-Star Game.

- Pictures on this blog from all of the aforementioned games taken by yours truly (quality will improve throughout the season)

- And of course, the best print coverage in the area in The Trentonian and on this blog.

Hope to answer your questions on Wednesday. 1 p.m., be there or be square.

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

Former Thunder category:

Zach McAllister, Mark Melancon and Ivan Nova each saw action in yesterday's 3-2 loss to the Phillies. Wilkins Arias, however, was not so lucky. He allowed two runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning, and in the process earned himself a loss and a blown save.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Jesus Montero: 1-for-1
Eduardo Nunez: 1-for-2, SB
Ramiro Pena: 0-for-2
Reegie Corona: 0-for-2
Colin Curtis: 1-for-2
Jorge Vazquez: 0-for-1 (he played third base)
Omir Santos (NYM): 3-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBIs
Jeff Karstens (PIT): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R
Anthony Claggett (PIT): 1 IP, 0 H, 2 K, 1 BB
Austin Jackson (DET): 1-for-1, 2 BB

Future Thunder category:
Brandon Laird: 1-for-2
Austin Romine: 0-for-1, (moved tying run to third with a grounder to second)

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Domonic Brown(PHI): 0-for-1
Tyson Gillies (PHI): 0-for-1
Danny Espinosa (WSH): 0-for-1
Drew Storen (WSH): 1 IP, 0 R, 1 K
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (NYM): 1-for-2, 2 R
Ike Davis(NYM): 1-for-2, 2 BB, 1 R, Grand Slam, 4 RBIs

The Grapefruit and Cactus League seasons are underway, which means plenty of prospects are getting their chance to impress. Many of these prospects have played on the Thunder and in the Eastern League, or will do so in 2010. I'm going to be rounding up the best performances on this blog and posting them for all to follow.

Former Thunder category:

The big damage was obviously done by Colin Curtis, who made an early mark with a three-run, walk-off home run against the Pirates.

Other former Trentonites seeing action were:
Francisco Cervelli: 0-for-1
Ramiro Pena: 1-for-2, HR
Reegie Corona: 0-for-1
Alfredo Aceves: 2 IP, O H, O R, 1 SO
Amauri Sanit: 1 IP, O H, O R, W
Eduardo Nunez: 1-for-2, R, SB
Steven Jackson (PIT): 1 IP, 3 H, 3R, 2 SO, HR
Jose Tabata (PIT): 1-for-2, R
Austin Jackson (DET): 1-for-2, 1 BB, 1 CS
Kanekoa Texeira (SEA): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 R

Future Thunder category:
Brandon Laird: 1-for-2, R

Future Eastern Leaguers:
Kirk Nieuwenhuis (NYM): 0-for-2, BB
Ike Davis(NYM): 1-for-2
Matt Angle(BAL): 0-for-1, R
Caleb Joseph(BAL): 1-for-1
Casey Kelly(BOS): 1 IP, 2 SO
Jose Iglesias(BOS): 1-for-2, 2B, 3 RBIs
Yamaico Navarro(BOS): 0-for-1
Phillipe Aumont(PHI): 2/3 IP, 2H, 5R, 3BB
Yohan Flande(PHI): 1 1/3 IP, 3H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR