Minor Matters

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2010-04-07T14:28:00.001-07:00

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Thunder Preview comes out tomorrow

2010-04-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

With Opening Day mere hours away, the day has come for me to slave away on the Thunder preview section, which will be on newsstands in tomorrow's Trentonian. This means I will be working on features on Austin Romine (he'll be on the cover), D.J. Mitchell, Brandon Laird, as well as previews of each team in the Eastern League.

There may also be stories on Jeremy Bleich, Josh Schmidt's experience in the Venezuelan League, and much more. Check it out tomorrow.

For now, though, take a read of my stories yesterday on Wilkin De La Rosa and Lance Pendleton moving to the bullpen, and Josh Schmidt's reaction to coming back to Trenton to begin 2010. The latter is a newspaper-only story.

Also, former Thunder pitcher Kanekoa Texeira made his major league debut last night. He got his first strikeout, but also picked up the loss.

Some video from yesterday

2010-04-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's taken so long, but better late than never, right? Here are a few videos I shot from today's Media Day at Waterfront Park.

That's Lance Pendleton and Wilkin De La Rosa talking about moving to the bullpen for 2010. With two starters, plus Josh Schmidt, who has proven he can start, the Thunder's pitching staff looks stacked. There are quotes from Tony Franklin and Tommy Phelps in the story, which you can find in tomorrow's edition of The Trentonian.

Just got back from Media Day

2010-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

As the post says, I was at Media Day from 1 p.m until about 3 p.m. While there, I spoke with Lance Pendleton, Wilkin De La Rosa, Josh Schmidt, Tommy Phelps and Tony Franklin. Look in tomorrow's The Trentonian for a story about Pendleton and De La Rosa, and their transitions from starters to relievers.

I'm going to get started on that now, but to tide you over, here's a picture of the entire team. I think it sets a record for most people blinking in one shot. Enjoy.

Bats, gloves and a ball

2010-04-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

Media Day ahead

2010-04-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

Today, starting at 1 p.m., I'll be joining my colleagues at Waterfront Park for Media Day. For those of you who don't know, this is the day when the team makes the players and coaching staff available to reporters (and photographers/videographers) for a couple of hours before their inaugural batting practice and workout.

Normally, I'd be very hectic knowing I had only a couple of hours to round up and interview all the team's top players. This year, however, because I spent a few days down in Tampa for spring training, a good portion of my work is already done. I've already spoken with Brandon Laird, Austin Romine, David Adams, D.J. Mitchell, Jeremy Bleich, Christian Garcia, Damon Sublett and Tony Franklin (though I probably will speak to him again).

That means today I can focus on filling out my notebook by interviewing (the elusive) David Phelps, Tommy Phelps, Dan Brewer, Austin Krum, Kevin Smith, Josh Schmidt and the rest of the Thunder.

Of course, as you've seen so far on this blog, this year The Trentonian is expanding its coverage of the Thunder with videos and pictures (well, we've always taken pictures, but I'm new at it) on this blog and on the paper's Web site.

Check the blog this afternoon for full coverage, and be sure to pick up a copy of The Trentonian tomorrow for stories from the day that was. Additionally, remember to check newsstands on Thursday (Opening Day) for The Trentonian's special Thunder section. You don't want to miss it.

Get ready to meet the team

2010-04-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

TRENTON — If you were hoping to see Pat Venditte on Thursday at Waterfront Park, you’re out of luck.

The Thunder’s preliminary roster was released to the media yesterday, and the celebrated switch pitcher’s name was nowhere to be found.

If you’re interested in laying your eyes on some of the top prospects in the organization, however — Austin Romine, D.J. Mitchell, Brandon Laird and David Adams, to name a few — then you’re in for a treat come Opening Day.

Romine, Mitchell, Laird and Adams are the marquee names, to be sure, but there were plenty of interesting players to be found on yesterday’s roster.

Take Damon Sublett, for instance.

He started last season as a second baseman, but was asked by the organization late in the season to take the Craig Biggio route and move into the outfield, where he will play in 2010.
While he’s adapted nicely enough to his new position, he’s been caught a little off guard by its intricacies.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” Sublett said. “I always used to think, ‘Oh, outfield, it can’t be that tough.’ It’s pretty tough out there, especially the corner positions. Center’s not too bad, but it’s fun, though. It’s a lot of fun."

Do you find pitchers more interesting than position players? Then Christian Garcia’s your man.
Garcia, already given the Opening Day assignment, is a right-hander with electric stuff who just can’t stay healthy.

To wit, the 24-year-old right-hander has pitched just 140 2/3 innings since 2006, yet still holds a position on the Yankees’ 40-man roster. It’s an honor that Garcia doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s awesome,” Garcia said. “It just shows that they still care and they’ve never forgotten about me. I’m pretty sure if I was with any other team, they would have dropped me already and said enough is enough. It’s amazing how they’ve stayed with me and stuck by my side.”

Sticking with guys on the 40-man roster, left-hander Wilkin De La Rosa will return to the club, but with a new role.

He and righty Lance Pendleton — both in the Thunder’s rotation last season — will move to the bullpen, instantly giving the team what appears to be, on paper at least, a very interesting collection of arms.

Manager Tony Franklin, who returns for his fourth season with Trenton, explained the move on Saturday at the Yankees Minor League Complex.

“In past years, when injuries occur, and at times when we think we need a spot starter, we’ve always had someone down there who was capable of doing that,” Franklin said. “I think either one of those guys are capable of doing that. In that regard, we’re well protected.”

Indeed, whether due to injuries or rain, the Thunder often found themselves in need of an extra arm in 2009. One man who filled that role more than capably was Josh Schmidt, an Eastern League All-Star and easily the Thunder’s best pitcher in 2009.

Astonishingly, after posting a 1.61 ERA and allowing just 57 hits — including just two home runs — in 83 2/3 stellar innings, Schmidt finds himself back in Trenton this April.

He joins Grant Duff, Wilkins Arias, Noel Castillo and Eric Wordekemper in a group of relievers who each spent time with the Thunder last season. The only newcomer to the bullpen is Cory Arbiso, a 23-year-old righty who spent most of last season with Low-A Charleston.

Fresh off the presses, here's the 2010 Opening Day Thunder roster, I think

2010-04-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Thunder just sent out what they're calling the 2010 Player List, although the pdf is entitled "roster." Here's what they have:

Pitchers
Cory Arbiso
Wilkins Arias
Jeremy Bleich
Noel Castillo
Wilkin De La Rosa
Grant Duff
Christian Garcia
D.J. Mitchell
Lance Pendleton
David Phelps
Ryan Pope
Josh Schmidt
Eric Wordekemper
Catchers
Jose Gil
Austin Romine
Infielders
Brandon Laird
Luis Nunez
David Adams
Kevin Smith
Justin Snyder
Neall French
Marcos Vechionacci
Outfielders
Dan Brewer
Edwar Gonzalez
Austin Krum
Damon Sublett

Of course, there is one major problem here: There are 26 players, two more than the Eastern League's limit. My bet is that Neall French and one other player hit the DL almost immediately. Also, it pains me to say what all of you can plainly see, but there is no Pat Venditte on this roster. It looks like Thunder fans will have to wait to see the switch-pitcher in action.

Yankees not budging on Thunder roster; Prospects abound in Eastern League

2010-04-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Just got off the phone with the Yankees Player Development Complex in Tampa, and was told that they probably won't be ready to release the final roster until Thursday. Of course, Media Day is tomorrow, so we should probably have a pretty darn good idea of what that roster is going to look like based on which players are in attendance.

Still, some EL clubs have released their rosters, and there are some pretty darn nice names to anticipate seeing this season.

We'll start with Erie, which plays Trenton on Opening Day, April 8.

The Seawolves announced their rotation will be:
LHP Jon Kibler

RHP L.J. Gagnier
LHP Duane Below
RHP Thad Weber
LHP Andy Oliver

Three lefties in one rotation is pretty rare, and pretty nasty.

As for position players, Erie features returnee Cale Iorg, outfielders Deik Scram and Wilkin Ramirez. Amazingly, 17 of the SeaWolves' 24 players spent time in Double-A last season.

PORTLAND: The Sea Dogs' roster is stocked, period. Confirmed players include super-prospects Casey Kelly, Jose Iglesias, Lars Anderson, Luis Exposito and Ryan Kalish. For those counting, that's one pitcher, two infielders, a catcher and an outfielder. So, yeah, Portland manager Arnie Beyeler has a few names to play with.

Felix Doubront, Ryne Miller, Stephen Fife and Kyle Weiland join Kelly in the starting rotation.

Che-Hsuan Lin, the 2008 Futures Game MVP, will also roam with Kalish in the Sea Dogs outfield.

READING: With the R-Phils now in the Thunder's division (the EL East), there should be some concern over how flush with talent they are. Their roster includes two of the three players acquired in the Cliff Lee trade -Phillippe Aumont and Tyson Gillies - outfield stud Domonic Brown, as well as 20-year-old shortstop Freddy Galvis.

Yohan Flande (and his wonderfully childish hair), Drew Naylor, Mike Cisco and Vance Worley finish the rotation.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: The biggest surprise, to me at least, is that Kyle Drabek is back in Double-A. This is especially shocking when you consider he made it to Triple-A last season with the Phillies. Maybe they just want to keep him away from Las Vegas.

Robert Bell, Zach Stewart (the Jays' top prospect before the Halladay trade), Luis Perez and Marty McLeary join Drabek in the starting five.

Also joining the Fisher Cats are slugging first baseman David Cooper, center fielder Darin Mastroianni, second baseman Brad Emaus and pitcher-turned-outfielder Adam Loewen. For what it's worth, I think Loewen's story is just as interesting as Pat Venditte's.

RICHMOND: The team formerly known as the Defenders boasts a cadre of position players, especially on the infield, in its inaugural season. Shortstop Brandon Crawford, second baseman Nick Noonan and third baseman Conor Gillaspie - their ninth, eleventh and seventeenth best prospects, according to Baseball America - will ply their trade with the Flying Squirrels (I love that name) in 2010.

Their outfield is even better, with Thomas Neal (No. 4 according to BA), Roger Kieschnick (No. 7) and Darren Ford (No. 13, and a Vineland native) slated to start.

Even though they don't have nearly the pitching of a year ago, the Flying Squirrels could make some noise in 2010.

Oh, I would be remiss if I didn't report that Richmond has Tony Pena Jr, son of the Yankees bench coach, on its roster.

HARRISBURG: Let's see, who are some big names you might like to see with the Senators this season. Well, there's Drew Storen, the closer and son of former XM host Mark Patrick. There's also Danny Espinosa, a slick fielding shortstop, as well as slugging first baseman Chris Marrero.

Oh, yeah, Stephen Strasburg, he's probably worth seeing. He'll make his first home start on April 16 against New Britain. His first overall start is April 11 at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona. Those might be your best chances to see him if you're a Thunder fan. I can't imagine he'll still be in Double-A when the Senators come calling on July 1.

ALTOONA: Although the final roster doesn't appear to be released yet, Jim Lane reports that prospects Tim Alderson and Gorkys Hernandez will start with the Curve. He also adds that Tony Sanchez, expected to start in Double-A, will begin with High-A West Virginia. Disappointing for sure, but don't be surprised to see him on June 15, when Altoona come to Waterfront Park for a three-game set.

Working hard to get the full roster

2010-04-05T05:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everybody.

After a long night of sleep after a long day of travel back from Tampa (someone should have told me before I got up at 3:15 that the Tampa Airport gates don't open until 4:30), it's back to work.

Today's main goal will be acquiring and posting the roster. I know it's out there, it's just a matter of pestering the right sources long enough. This, fair readers, is what I will do for you.

Like I said on Saturday night, after confirming about two thirds of the roster, I expect the rest of the team to shake down this way:

C - Jose Gil
1B - Kevin Smith
SS - Walter Ibarra
IF - Luis Nunez
RP - Pat Venditte
RP - Grant Duff
RP - Phil Bartleski
RP - Adam Olbrychowski

That said, it wouldn't surprise me if Nunez or Ibarra were replaced by Marcos Vechionacci, or two of the relievers were replaced by Wilkins Arias and Noel Castillo, especially considering both of them spent the entire camp with the Double-A work group.

Until the roster comes out, however, here's a few more pics from the trip to tide you over (I took 524 pics down there, according to my camera). Clockwise from top, Ramiro Pena signing autographs, Andy Pettitte lounging in the bullpen, Justin Snyder talking things over with Jody Reed, and Tony Franklin throwing BP.

Pictures of guys you may be familar with

2010-04-03T17:22:00.001-07:00

Clockwise from top right are: Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes; Luis Sojo, Jesus Montero and D.J. Mitchell; Derek Jeter; Frank Menechino and Tino Martinez, Jeter again, and Montero again

About two-thirds of the roster is confirmed

2010-04-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

By spending the morning in minor league camp before heading over to George M. Steinbrenner Field for the Yankees vs. Future Yankees game, I was able to get confirmation on 16 of the 24 available spots on the Thunder's Opening Day roster. After speaking with Tony Franklin, Tommy Phelps and a few of the players, here's what I have so far:

C - Austin Romine
2B - David Adams
3B - Brandon Laird
OF - Edwar Gonzalez
OF - Dan Brewer
OF - Damon Sublett
OF - Austin Krum
SP - Christian Garcia (Will start on Opening Day, per Phelps)
SP - Ryan Pope
SP - Jeremy Bleich
SP - David Phelps
SP - D.J. Mitchell
RP - Wilkin De La Rosa
RP - Lance Pendleton
RP - Josh Schmidt
RP - Cory Arbiso

That's 7 position players and 9 pitchers. Given those numbers, here is what I believe the rest of the team will look like:

C - Jose Gil
1B - Kevin Smith
SS - Walter Ibarra
IF - Luis Nunez
RP - Pat Venditte
RP - Grant Duff
RP - Phil Bartleski
RP - Adam Olbrychowski

Of course, there are some surprises here. Pendleton and De La Rosa in the bullpen is an interesting way to turn seven starters into five. Additionally, it gives them a host of guys who can eat up innings should one of the starters get knocked around, or, as happened so often last year, rain necessitates a doubleheader.

The fact that Schmidt is back in Double-A is positively shocking news. He did nothing but dominate last season, and was fantastic in the Venezuelan Winter League. What more can he do to earn a trip to Scranton?

Additionally, Matt Cusick, last year's second baseman for part of the season, will start in Scranton. Cusick called the promotion "a curveball."

That's all for now, but check back later for tonight's Web chat to wrap up my stay in Tampa.

My Final Morning in Tampa

2010-04-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Today begins the last day of The Trentonian's coverage from the site of Thunder spring training, in Tampa, Fla. As I mentioned last night, I am not quite sure where I'm going to wind up today. I could be at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the Yankees vs. Future Yankees game. I could be back at the Player Development Complex, on Himes Ave., where I have been for the last three days. I also could wind up hopping a bus for Dunedin, if the Thunder are playing there today.

I seem to have received two versions of the schedule, so my day is a bit up in the air. In any case, the major goal of the day is to find that preliminary roster and get it out there. I know it was released yesterday, so it's only a matter of asking the right people.

I also hope to sit down with Pat Venditte, David Phelps, Tony Franklin and other future Thunder players. That's all for now, keep tabs with me on Twitter under the handle jnorris427.

Also, check back tonight at 8 p.m. for a Web chat chronicling my time here.

Day 3 Wrap Up

2010-04-02T19:44:00.001-07:00

This is going to be quick, but here's a rundown of what I did today and what I plan to do tomorrow.

I interviewed Ryan Pope (check The Trentonian for a feature tomorrow), Brandon Laird, Damon Sublett and Austin Romine. All were very good and well-spoken. Sublett had some interesting things to say about his transition from second base to the outfield, Laird talked with me about facing Stephen Strasburg in the Arizona Fall League, and Austin Romine ... well, you'll just have to wait for his feature in The Trentonian's special section, which prints on April 8, the day of the Thunder's season opener.

Tomorrow I plan to report to minor league camp around 9:00-9:30, as has been the case all week. This time, though, I'm not sure how long I'll be sticking around. One schedule I have says the Thunder are traveling to Dunedin tomorrow to play the Jays again. Another, however, says they are staying in Tampa for a camp day.

There's a Yankees vs. Future Yankees exhibition game across the street at George M. Steinbrenner Field, so that's always an option, if the game features Thunder players.

If I stay at camp, some interview targets will be David Phelps, Pat Venditte and the Thunder coaching staff. More importantly, I will be trying my best to cajole the preliminary roster, which was released today but kept away from the media, out of someone.

That's all for tonight. I'll check back in the morning.

Photos from Day 3

2010-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took today. Clockwise from top are: Dan Brewer, Matt Cusick, Dellin Betances, Craig Heyer and Damon Sublett.

Good morning from Tampa, Day 3

2010-04-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

Heading out to the fields soon, so I just wanted to check in before I left. Here's a couple of links before I go try to make the most of my last day in minor league camp.

First, here's my story yesterday on new Thunder catcher/utilityman Myron Leslie

Second, here's the notebook I did with news about two cuts, David Phelps, John Van Benschoten, Casey Erickson and Tony Franklin

Here's a link to The Trentonian's video page, where you can find Part 2 of my interview with Leslie (Part 1 is included with the story)and a video of Austin Romine doing catching drills with Thunder coach Vic Valencia.

Reminder, tomorrow night I will be doing a Web chat to wrap up my stay. Stay tuned.

The one in which I get pranked

2010-04-01T19:29:00.001-07:00

Today being April Fool's Day, it seems only fitting that I was the victim of some mischievous Thunder pranksters yesterday. Of course, being as dense as I am, I fell for the same prank twice.

Here's how it went: Someone placed a device (probably an iPhone) in a small blue equipment. When commanded, the device made an array of (very realistic) farting noises. Someone, I suspect Wilkin De La Rosa, placed that bag under my seat. It was there for probably 20 minutes before I realized what had happened.

They eventually moved the bag under the seats of various coaches, players and others for the next few innings.

Then, once my guard was down, they did it again.

This time I was wise to the plan, and stared in the direction of De La Rosa, who smiled and asked me: "Man, what did you eat for breakfast?"

Ah, pranks. Gotta love 'em.

A vast array of pics from Day 2

2010-04-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

Photos are, clockwise from top right: Wilkin De La Rosa, David Adams' glove, Frank Menechino, Kei Igawa (and his fabulous blue glove), Damon Sublett and D.J. Mitchell.

Austin Romine getting advice from Vic Valencia

2010-04-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Myron Leslie interview part 2

2010-04-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

Myron Leslie Interview Part 1

2010-04-01T17:59:00.001-07:00

What to expect in the Thunder section and in tomorrow's paper

2010-04-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

At my second day in Thunder camp, I spoke with Myron Leslie, Jeremy Bleich, David Adams, Christian Garcia and D.J. Mitchell. Leslie is a probable Thunder catcher, joining Austin Romine and possibly Jose Gil. Adams will be Trenton's second baseman, and Bleich, Mitchell and Garcia are all likely to be in the team's rotation come April 8.

In tomorrow's paper, I have a long feature on Leslie and a notebook with bits and pieces from today's 4-4 tie with the Pirates' Double-A work group. On the Web site, there will also be pictures from today's action, as well as videos of the interview I conducted with Leslie, today's starter David Phelps, and Austin Romine working with Victor Valencia in the batting cages.

The interviews with Adams, Bleich, Garcia and Mitchell will more than likely be used in the Thunder season preview section, which hits newsstands on April 8, the day the Thunder open the season.

There's a good chance the roster will be finalized tomorrow some time, so that could be the big news.

I plan to also speak with Tony Franklin (who was at home today in Los Angeles), Austin Romine, Damon Sublett, Kevin Mahoney and Ryan Pope tomorrow. Also, later tonight (once I get done uploading video) I will post some of best (that term is VERY relative) pictures from the day's action.

Also, remember that there will be a Web chat on Saturday night at 8 p.m. wrapping up my short stay in Tampa.

Back from Camp, Day 2

2010-04-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

The big news from camp today is that former Thunder players James Cooper and Jonathan Hovis have been cut. Cooper, a ninth-rounder in 2005, spent a combined 133 games in Trenton in 2008 and 2009. During that time, Cooper hit .237 with one home run and 48 RBIs. Mike Ashmore has reported that Cooper has signed with the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League.

Hovis, who appeared in just one game at Waterfront Park last season, went 13-9 during his career, with a 2.15 ERA and 64 saves. However, he was 26, which, for a guy who has barely touched Double-A, probably means the end is near.

Look in tomorrow's issue of The Trentonian for a feature on new Thunder catcher Myron Leslie, who had never caught before this season, and a notebook on today's tie with the Curve.

Some pics from yesterday

2010-04-01T05:46:00.001-07:00

Photos are: Clockwise from top left, the back of Fu-Lin Kuo (No. 2), outfield prospect Kelvin DeLeon, and pitcher Adam Warren.

Good morning from the Doubletree

2010-04-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my hotel room, waiting to head out to the ballpark for the Thunder's game against Altoona later today, I wanted to give you some notes from the ballpark yesterday.
Against Altoona in Bradenton yesterday, the Thunder did a lot of hitting, but not very much pitching. Here are some of the lines forwarded by Thunder trainer Tim Lentych:

PITCHING
Jeremy Bleich: 4.2 IP, 4 R, 5 Ks
Wilkins Arias: 1.1 IP, 0 R
Grant Duff: 1 shutout inning
Josh Schmidt: 1 shutout inning
HITTING:
Austin Krum: 2 singles
Damon Sublett: Single and run
Marcos Vechionacci: Double and a run
Myron Leslie: Double, 2 RBIs, run
Kevin Mahoney: 2 singles, double, RBI, 2 runs
Ray Kruml: Single, Double, 3 RBIs

Mark Newman had a lot to say yesterday, but perhaps some of the most interesting nuggets were about Andrew Brackman. Unfortunately, because I arrived in Tampa at about 1:00 p.m., Brackman, who had thrown six walk-free innings on Tuesday, had already gone home for the day.

Brackman is still working as a starter, despite ending last season in the Charleston bullpen. The move last season, Newman says, was more a way to control his innings and keep things simplified than anything else.

When I asked him if the Yankees knew there would be a longer time frame for his development than with most other prospects, especially first-rounders, he gave Ian Kennedy, a Yanks first-rounder in 2006 and now the No. 4 starter in Arizona's rotation, as a compare-and-contrasting point.

"Here's a guy who's 6-foot-10, played basketball - so he missed baseball time because of basketball - he didn't have all the fall work, didn't have all the winter work, didn't have all the early spring work. So you've got 6-foot-10, you've got basketball, you've got basketball, you've got injury, so he missed a lot of baseball, so there's a lot of reasons why he wouldn't be able to repeat his delivery.

"Over time, he's going to come to a point where that delivery is repeatable. Once he does, it's an impressive thing to see. He's a very athletic 6-foot-10 guy."

"We took Ian Kennedy in 2006 and we took Brackman in 2007. ... (Kennedy's)the polar opposite (of Brackman) from a draft prospect standpoint. Ian Kennedy moved through the system. He and Joba just went whoosh, went to the big leagues in about a year.

"Kennedy's 6-foot, right-handed, USC, no basketball, a lot of reps. We figured, Ian's getting to the big leagues, Brack's gonna get to the big leagues. We feel good about that. We think Brack's gonna be huge, with top-of-the-rotation stuff."

Newman didn't seem too optimistic that we'd see Brackman in Trenton this season, but also didn't rule that possibility out.

We also spoke about a couple of the catchers in the lower minors, Gary Sanchez and J.R. Murphy, who are drawing rave reviews.

"Sanchez has huge tools, big power. Powerful bat, powerful throwing arm. Murphy doesn't quite have as much arm strength, but can catch and play other positions. And he can really swing the bat."

I stopped at George M. Steinbrenner Field yesterday to pick up my credentials. I went inside for all of a minute, but in that time managed to see Reggie Jackson stroll through the office.

At the minor league complex, I briefly saw Carlos Mendoza, the former Thunder infielder who is now a coach with Staten Island.