Short Q & A with Trenton Thunder writer Mike Ashmore

I went out to find some answers about the Yankees' AA-affiliate Trenton Thunder and the road led me to Thunder writer Mike Ashmore. Here's what I got through a quick Q & A: Q: Which member(s) of the Thunder is most likely to be dealt this offseason (if any)? A: I don't really necessarily see anyone getting traded -- although there seems to be a glut of pitching in the organization, so if someone does go, it would probably be a pitcher -- but I think you could see a few guys sign with other organizations. If you look at some of the players who put up solid numbers but seem to have little chance of advancement in the organization -- guys like Jason Jones and P.J. Pilittere -- they would both seem to be candidates to head elsewhere. Q: Which member of the Thunder is most likely to make an impact for the big league club in 2009? A: Taking Humberto Sanchez and Francisco Cervelli out of the equation, since both of them already got called up, I think Jhonny Nunez could be a darkhorse to make a real impact with the Yankees next year. He has a real interesting demeanor out there on the mound, and his stuff is pretty nasty. Getting him for Alberto Gonzalez could turn out to be one of the better deals Brian Cashman has pulled off. Q: Yankee Empire is waiting, when will Austin Jackson be wearing pinstripes? A: Whenever the Yankees are ready for him, because he's certainly good enough to start 2009 in the new Yankee Stadium. I'd think you'll see him make his debut somewhere around the All-Star break, assuming he keeps up what he was doing with the Thunder for most of 2008. Thanks again to Mike Ashmore over at Thunder Thoughts. Don't forget to check out the blog at pinstripespublished.blogspot.com