Patterson returns to Trenton
April 2, 2007 by Jason Guarente
Scott Patterson is headed back to 
the Double-A Trenton Thunder for a second consecutive year.
The former Barnstormers relief pitcher, who was signed by the Yankees in June, was on the bubble between Triple-A and Double-A. He ended up with a return ticket to the Eastern League.
This is a mild disappointment because Patterson pitched so effectively during his first stint in Trenton. He posted a 2.33 ERA and 44-to-8 stirkeout-to-walk ratio in 26 appearances last season.
Patterson, 27, spent five seasons in the independent leagues, including parts of two in Lancaster, before getting his first crack at affiliated ball last summer.
Patterson has another indy ball alum in the bullpen with him, Gerardo Casadiego. Casadiego spent some time with the Pensacola Pelicans in 2004 and 2005.
As someone who (unfortunately) has to follow the Yankees organization fairly closely, I can tell you Patterson is a prime candidate to head to Scranton before the year is over.
Charlie Manning (who will likely be sent from Triple-A when/if Ron Villone accepts his minor league assignment) and Kevin Whelan (acquired in the Sheffield deal) are his primary competition, depending on the role that needs to be filled.
Scotty P looked pretty dominant last year in Trenton, so you’d have to think he’s going to get a long look this season considering the Yankees somewhat shaky pitching staff.