5:45 PM — Lineups…
ROCK CATS
Brandon Roberts, CF
Rene Tosoni, RF
Luke Hughes, 3B
Erik Lis, DH
Wilson Ramos, C
Brian Dinkelman, LF
Steve Singleton, 2B
Whit Robbins, 1B
Yancarlos Ortiz, SS
THUNDER
Austin Krum, CF
Matt Cusick, 2B
Eduardo Nunez, SS
Chris Malec, 1B
Richie Robnett, DH
Edwar Gonzalez, RF
P.J. Pilittere, C
Marcos Vechionacci, 3B
James Cooper, LF
4:55 PM — As expected, Ryan Baker was placed on the DL to make room for Jason Stephens.
3:45 PM — I don’t really want to address the stuff about myself any more than I have to with this being an important time for the team. So I’ll keep all of that to the comments…
3:25 PM — Someone was asking me about this yesterday…there would be a one-game playoff if New Britain and Trenton finish in a tie for the final playoff spot. The only way a tie-breaker would be used is between two teams that are already in the playoffs — i.e. deciding a tie for first place in a division, etc.
However, a tie-breaker would be used to determine which team would have home field advantage in the one-game playoff. That tie-breaker is head-to-head record, and New Britain and Trenton are currently 8-8 against each other.
Also, each team only has eight games remaining, including this one. Each team “lost” a date this year, so they will each only play 141 games. Trenton is currently two games back of New Britain.
2:40 PM — Just got here a little while ago, there doesn’t seem to be much going on.
As for me, yes the rumors are true and this may very well be my last Trenton Thunder game. I had a whole little paragraph or two written out, but it really isn’t worth the explanation. So I’d expect the updates to be a little light as I attempt to enjoy what may be last time here for a while.
I have, to some extent anyway, enjoyed my time here over the past six years — particularly the last two with this blog. But I honestly can’t tell you whether I’ll be back for a seventh.
As for the blog, it will continue through the regular season, any playoff action and at least some part of the off-season. My primary focus is with my current employer, the Hunterdon County Democrat, and I will be continuing to be providing content for them, so I’d might as well continue to provide content here as well.
But with the way things are going in the industry, I’d be foolish not to consider looking elsewhere or at an entirely different line of work all together.
Mike Ashmore, mashmore98 AT gmail.com
August 31, 2009 at 2:54 pm |
Sad to hear Mike! Do you plan to finish and post all of the features you have been talking about lately before you go!
August 31, 2009 at 3:16 pm |
I am also sad to hear the news, you have done a wonderful job of providing information and also having some fun comments. I am sure their are a number of people that like to read and not post comments and I am sure they will also miss you. Good luck to you.
August 31, 2009 at 3:25 pm |
Just to be super duper clear…I am not definitely leaving and I’m not definitely coming back.
I just kind of wanted to address it now because I feel like I owe it to people. As I just got done telling someone, if I’m back here in the same capacity in 2010, I’ll be happy.
And yes, I will be posting all the various features…probably some of them will the team is on their lengthy road trip. The blog will remain active and updated for the foreseeable future. I’m not going anywhere until I go somewhere.
August 31, 2009 at 3:45 pm |
I quess that means you will not be running across the field naked tonight giving boomer the bird!!!!!
August 31, 2009 at 3:50 pm |
Wow. No. No, I will not. Sorry to…ummm, disappoint?
August 31, 2009 at 3:58 pm |
Its cool, I will not be disappointed. Just trying to get a laugh out of ya, I hope it worked. See you at the game tonight.
August 31, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
Mike ,
Say it ain’t so!!… How are we suppose to get the TRUE inside stories of the Thunder if you leave?
August 31, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
As long as the thought of me naked doesn’t keep too many people away from the ballpark…
August 31, 2009 at 4:35 pm |
And J.J. — We shall see, sir. I’m nowhere close to making up my mind. Just felt I owed it to people to let them know.
August 31, 2009 at 5:24 pm |
Mike,
you can come up to Newark…besides the 5,000 available seats each night…the press box is fairly empty as well.
August 31, 2009 at 5:59 pm |
Well, no I can’t. I’m technically not allowed in their press box.
August 31, 2009 at 9:29 pm |
I have enjoyed reading the blog. Along with Chad Jennings (Scranton) and Pete Abraham, its a great way to stay in touch and comment on the Yankees and their minor league affiliates. Your efforts have been and hopefully will continue to be much appreciated.
Nice team shaping up for 2010 – Montero/Romine, Adams, Laird, Mitchell.
September 1, 2009 at 12:41 am |
Mike,
Just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading this blog over the years and am wishing you luck in whatever you decide to do in the future, whether it’s here or somewhere else.
Larry
September 1, 2009 at 1:26 am |
Thanks guys. When I have some time to sit back and breathe, I’ll figure everything out. Until then…who knows.