Carl “Stump” Merrill isn’t sure what he will be doing for the New York Yankee organization this season.

But the Brunswick native and former University of Maine football-baseball standout and assistant coach, who managed the Double A Eastern League’s Trenton Thunder the last two seasons, isn’t worried about it.

“It’s no big deal. Hopefully, it’s going to be professional scouting,” said the 60-year-old Merrill from his home in Harpswell.

This will be Merrill’s 29th year with the Yankee organization. And he said it will “probably be my last.”

“When you’ve done what I’ve done for as long as I’ve done it, there are a lot of enjoyable things that I haven’t been able to do,” said Merrill.

Among the things he has missed out on is spending time on his boat and “going on a trip for a couple of weeks.”

He would also like to spend more time with his first grandchild, 22-month-old granddaughter Lainie.

He said he won’t miss managing despite his success over the years. He has compiled a 1,571-1,306 record as a manager at every level, including the Yankees, with whom he compiled a 120-155 mark in 1990-91.

His teams finished first eight times and second on six occasions.

“It isn’t as much fun as it was because our talent isn’t as good. I don’t enjoy getting my butt kicked four out of every seven days,” said Merrill, whose Thunder went 64-78 last season after a 70-71 campaign in 2003.

“It’s not the same as it was 10-15 years ago. A lot of kids aren’t as dedicated,” said Merrill. “They don’t take it as seriously. They don’t realize what’s in front of them and how close they are [to the major leagues]. You look at the salaries of major leaguers today and you would think they would aspire to it and find any and every way to get there.

“But some of them don’t for whatever reason. It’s hard to explain. If that’s not enough to motivate them, how can I motivate them?”

Players who go all-out all the time are a dying breed and that bothers Merrill.

“Fifteen years ago, if somebody didn’t run out a ground ball, there would be someone there to take his place,” said Merrill. “Now players know they’re going to play [regardless of performance or work ethic] because of where they were drafted and how much money they’re getting. It becomes difficult.”

Minor league managers have their hands tied in many cases because the major league administrators dictate their lineups.

Merrill, who has been inducted into three Halls of Fame, was analytical about the Boston Red Sox’s first World Series title in 86 years. They became the first team in history to overcome a 3-0 series deficit in beating the Yankees and then swept St. Louis.

“I can say, with some degree of reluctance, that it was good for the game. No question about that,” said Merrill. “Every organization ought to win it once in somebody’s lifetime.

“But that’s enough,” he stated emphatically.

“You’ve got to give them credit. They were down and out but came back to win eight in a row,” said Merrill. “I fully respected their club. I figured we could win one out of four. But we didn’t. We didn’t hit. They shut us down. They beat us fair and square. Give them credit.”

He expects the two teams to be formidable again this season and feels the Yanks’ acquisition of ace lefty Randy Johnson gives them something they didn’t have a year ago: a legitimate No. 1 starter.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or via email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.