Yankees MiLB News: Thunder Year in Review

Thunder Manager Tony Franklin: Mandatory Credit-milb.com

It wasn’t quite the season Trenton Thunder skipper Tony Franklin envisioned for the reigning Eastern League champions. Last season, the Thunder rolled to a 74-67 record, before sweeping their way through the semi-finals and championship series to take home the 2013 title. They entered the 2014 season armed with some of the most promising talent throughout the entire New York Yankees’ farm system poised to defend their crown. It was far from that for Franklin and his boys this summer.

This season was full of disappointments, as the Thunder finished with their worst record of Tony Franklin’s eight-year tenure. At 67-75, Trenton finished fourth in the Eastern League’s Eastern Division and didn’t even sniff the playoffs. Several players did have big seasons, but they were rather unexpected, and resulted in quick promotions to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Others were traded to bring in key cogs at the trade deadline. Another, who was once the prize of the Yankees organization, was in Franklin’s dog house, even getting suspended by the team earlier in the year.

Mostly, the Thunder dealt with the disappointing regression of a few of the once Top Ten Yankees’ prospects. Outfielders Mason Williams and Slade Heathcott looked lost at times throughout the season, while Gary Sanchez endured one of his worst seasons as a pro. Tyler Austin struggled for a large portion of the season, but a late resurgence saved some face.

What the Thunder learned this year is that sometimes, all of the scouting reports and experts in the world can’t even predict the rise of a “top” prospect. Tony Franklin has to go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate what’s in store for 2015. Until then, let’s take a look at the Trenton Thunder’s Year in Review.