‘Cats looking for chemistry

Troy

Team chemistry was a major component in the Tri-City ValleyCats' run to a second New York-Penn League title in 2013.

"I think the biggest thing for our team last season was our chemistry," pitcher Chris Munnelly said. "We had some goofballs on the team that kept the mood light when things got tough."

With the 2014 season opener on Friday and many of the expected players on the roster having just arrived Thursday or not even at all yet, establishing team chemistry early on will be a difficult task.

"It's tough," said pitcher Troy Scribner, one of five returning players from last season. "It depends on the person I guess. Usually the guys coming in are really easy going and easy to get to know. We'll make it easy on them, as easy as we can make it for them. Hopefully everything works out fine."

Munnelly and Scribner made significant impacts in their time spent with the 'Cats last season.

Scribner appeared in six regular-season games, finishing with a 1-2 record with a 5.12 ERA. He struck out 30 batters and walked seven in 191/3 innings.

"He was key last year, especially when he was put in the rotation," Tri-City manager Ed Romero said. "He won some big games for us last year."

Munnelly arrived in Troy in late August, but was brilliant in three postseason games. He threw four scoreless innings, gave up only one hit, scattered two walks and fanned four batters.

"Right now, he's going to be the closer," Romero said. "I think he's probably the most polished guy we have out of the pen."

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'Cats looking for chemistry