The 2018 Trenton Thunder

This year's Thunder features some pitchers who could move fast, as well as some hitters looking for a little redemption. Jay Bell, who appeared to be one of the organizational candidates for the Yankee Manangers job, is steering the Thunder.  Tim Norton is the pichting coach. Ty Hawkins is th hitting coach. It's a little surprising that the Yanks have an old schoool staff at AA, and that sports science and analytics don't seeem to have trickled down much.  Of course, maybe they do and it's just not listed.

Pitchers

Domingo Acevedo

Will Carter

Jordan Foley

Joe Harvey

Caleb Frare (L)

Brian Keller

Jose Mesa Jr.

Kaleb Ort

Jean Ramirez

James Reeves (L)

Andrew Schwaab

Justus Sheffield (L)

Erik Swanson

Stephen Tarpley (L)

Dillon Tate

This is a group with high upside. Sheffield is the best lefty is the system, and for the moment, might be the best overall pitching prospect.  He's the goods and seems to be improving.  Dillon Tate has had a weird path, and if he hits his upside, we got him at a serious discount.  Tate was impressive during his first start, and he really could be a bonus get.  Domingo Acevedo is built like Michael Pineda, and a strike thrower with a big fastballl and change, but he really needs that slider to stay a starter and it hasn't kicked in yet.  Erik Swanson is built like a bulldog, and just has to keep progressing to have a chance.   Brian Keller is a slender guy who's gotten good results so far, and could really surprise.  Jose Mesa Jr was returned be grabbed in the Rule 5.  He probably a reliever.  Caleb Frare is a courageous guy who's come back from many injuries.

Catchers

Ryan Lidge
Chase Numata
Jorge Saez

Lidge and Numata are both switch hitters, like Posada was.  That's probably the only way they are like Jorge.  Numata was a guy they picked up from the outside.  They really need to find more catchers.

Infielders

Mandy Alvarez
Bruce Caldewell
Vincente Conde
Chris Gittens
Kyle Holder
Gosuke Katoh
Russel Wilson

Alvarez was a late pick a few years ago who's really climbing the systm.  Vincente Conde has always been a more org type than prospect.  Chris Gittens has big power.  Kyle Holder is a great defensive shortstop who finally started showing signs with the bat.  He's a great athlete who also played hoops at a high level, but if he sticks with it he might just turn into something.  Katoh was taken in the Tyler Wade draft.  He's struggled, but has the walk gene and shown talent.  If he can stabilize it he's still got a chance.  Don't know about Caldwell.  Wilson is restricted because of his football gig.

Outfielders

Trey Amburgey
Cesar Diaz
Jhalan Jackson
Ben Ruta

They seem a litte undermanned here.  Amburgey is sort of the JuCo pick version of Tyler Austin. He's  got some patience and pop, but has been plagued by injuries.  His health will determine his future.  Diaz and Ruta are just guys. Jackson is a power guy who kept getting better through college and is off to a hot start this year.

So there they are.  Some talented pitchers putting in their time, and some star crossed hitters looking to prove themselves.  Could get Florial in the not too distant future.