Frederick Keys manager Tommy Thompson knows a big part of his job is preparing his players to ultimately reach the major leagues. But that doesn?t mean that the Single-A affiliate of the Orioles can?t be successful on the field at the same time.
Merging teaching with victories is something Thompson feels is possible at Frederick, as the Keys look to repeat at the Carolina League?s Northern Division champion and get back to the Mills Cup for the third time in four years.
The Keys? roster includes 15 new players and two newcomers to the coaching staff, including Thompson, who comes to the organization after spending 14 years as the Chicago White Sox?s minor league catching coordinator. He replaces Bien Figueroa, who is now the manager of the Double-A Bowie Baysox.
“Winning and development go hand in hand,” Thompson said. “Everyone at this level has the ability, but it is the ones that learn the fundamentals that make it all the ways.”
The progression of Frederick?s young pitching staff will go a long way toward determining the team?s success this year. Anchoring the staff is a pair of Baltimore area natives: Right-hander Chorye Spoone (Northeast) and left-hander Brandon Erbe (McDonogh), both of whom moved up this season after playing at low-A Delmarva in 2006.
“You know they are going to make mistakes, but it?s all about the learning process at this level,” Frederick pitching coach Blaine Beatty said. “What I?ll see the most from them this year is how they react when they experience adversity.”
Offensively, Frederick will also rely on a number of players promoted from Delmarva, including first baseman Ryan Finan, a 21st round selection in 2004 who batted .262 with 80 runs, 17 home runs and 78 RBI with the Shorebirds last year. Also expected to contribute is infielder Mark Fleisher, who batted .261 with 16 home runs and 67 RBI in Delmarva.
MINOR LEAGUE NOTES
» The Double-A Bowie Baysox also opened their season on the road last night, playing at Eastern League rival Trenton Thunder. The Baysox?s home opener is April 12 at the Akron Aeros.
» The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds opened their season last night at South Atlantic League rival Lexington Legends. The Shorebirds? home opener is April 13 at the West Virginia Power.
