Trenton Thunder Year-End Awards
by Mike Ashmore
September 28, 2006 - Hunterdon County Democrat

Unquestionably, this will be the year that Thunder fans remember for the presence of Phil Hughes, the Yankees number one prospect who carried the team to the playoffs on his million dollar arm.

But will Hughes sweep the first annual Ashmore Awards this season?

Ashmore's 2006 Thunder MVP: Randy Ruiz (1B)

Shakira will tell you that hips don't lie. But numbers don't either, and there's no disputing that Ruiz was not only the Trenton Thunder's MVP this season, but also had a strong case for Eastern League MVP as well. Ruiz hit .286 with 26 home runs and 87 RBI, proving that he's a legit player after previous steroid suspensions clouded his future. Now, it's a future that might include a spring training invite with the Yankees...at the very least, look for Ruiz to start the season in Triple-A.

Runner-Ups: Phil Hughes, Justin Christian, Vince Faison
Scott Stanchak's Previous Winners: Brian Myrow (2003), Mitch Jones (2004), Shelley Duncan (2005)

Ashmore's 2006 Thunder Cy Young: Phil Hughes (RHP)

Was there really any doubt about this one? Hughes, who turned 20 during the season, was phenomenal for the Thunder this season, one of the rare prospects who exceeds the hype. 10-3 with a 2.25 ERA during the regular season, Hughes gave Trenton fans something to remember in what's likely to be his last appearance at Waterfront Park, striking out 13 batters in just six innings in Game One of the Northern Division Series.

Still, with all that said, Hughes still had some disappointments this season.

"Not being able to adjust as quickly as I'd liked to when I got here was a surprise," he said. "Every level I've gone to, I've never really struggled that much, and I did a little bit when I came here. That was probably the biggest surprise for me."

Hughes is likely to compete for a spot in Yankees starting rotation next season, but at just 20 years old, it's possible that he could be sent to Triple-A for the start of 2007 instead.

"I'd love to make the club out of spring training, that's what I'm going to be working all off-season for," Hughes said. "But no matter where I go, I'm going to pitch as well as I can and make that decision a little bit tougher for them."

Runner-Ups: Tyler Clippard, Justin Pope
Scott Stanchak's Previous Winners: Andy Beal (2003), Dave Shepard (2004), Justin Pope (2005)

Ashmore's 2006 Thunder Good Guy: Charlie Manning (LHP)

Manning was a workhorse and would always do whatever Thunder manager Bill Masse asked of him. In his fifth season of Double-A, he deserves a much better fate than being a career minor leaguer, something he's certainly aware of. But you'd never know it from talking to him, you'd never know he has that monkey on his back that he desperately wants to get off.

A few years removed from being a prospect, the Yankees should reward the rubber-armed lefty with a promotion to Triple-A and a spring training invite.

Runner-Ups: Phil Hughes, Scott Patterson, Tyler Clippard, Shelley Duncan
Scott Stanchak's Previous Winners: First year of award

Thunder Notes: There's a lot of speculation that manager Bill Masse may not return to the club next season, instead receiving a promotion to Triple-A. Speaking of Triple-A, the Yankees are switching affiliations from the Columbus Clippers to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Red Barons next season, ending one of baseball's longest relationships.

Around The Eastern League: The Portland Sea Dogs captured their first ever Eastern League Championship, beating the Akron Aeros in the decisive fifth game. Sea Dogs starter Devern Hansack, who faced Hughes in the playoffs, was promoted to Boston immediately after the game by Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, who was in attendance at Hadlock Field.

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