UNIVERSITY PARK -- The State association Spikes have completed batting practice and almost everybody upon the roster has retreated to the plush clubhouse.

UNIVERSITY PARK -- The State association Spikes have completed batting practice and almost everybody upon the roster has retreated to the plush clubhouse.

Catcher Scott Thomas could be in there with his associates He could be watching television or playing cards in the air conditioning.

Thomas has decided to squander his time with position coach Mike Shildt.

With their backs in succession the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park grass, Thomas and Shildt perform sit-ups and discuss baseball.

For Thomas, the extra conditioning doesn't describe a chance to impress a coach or player progressive growth official. The time spent chiseling his material part represents an extension of his childhood, where Thomas toured ballparks with his father, lee-side a former major league player incline differentlyed baseball executive.

"Back at residence I live in the gym and I live in the cages," Thomas said. "A fortune of it has to do with my dad. He is