One of the biggest challenges facing the Barnstormers between now and the beginning of the season will be constructing a pitching staff. That is, of course, a test for every Atlantic League team.
The Barnstormers hope to build their rotation around playoff hero Josh Stevens, who was acquired on loan from the 
Nashua Pride in September. Stevens made three starts for the Barnstormers, including a 12-strikeout masterpiece against the Atlantic City Surf in the first-round clincher.
There’s one obstacle standing between Stevens and a return to Lancaster. The Barnstormers and Pride have to agree on some kind of compensation for the pitcher’s rights. This shouldn’t be a big deal because the Pride now plays in the Can-Am League and has nothing to gain by prohibiting a player from advancing his career, but you never know.
Stevens, 27, would be a huge addition to the Barnstormers. In his nine-year pro career, which topped out with a brief stay in Triple-A, the 6-4, 200-pound righthander is 44-37 with a 4.01 ERA in 255 games (85 starts). His peripherals are promising. He has averaged 8.0 strikeouts and 1.6 walks per nine innings while posting a 1.29 WHIP. Generally, good command means good results.
Although Stevens’ Atlantic League exposure has been limited to his short stay with the Barnstormers, he looks like a pitcher Lancaster can bank on this season IF it can get him signed.
- In other news: It appears Jose Ortiz is headed to Mexico if he doesn’t get a minor-league invitation to spring training. The third baseman hit .289 with 18 homers and 80 RBIs in 101 games for the Barnstormers. The move makes sense for Ortiz. If he’s not going to get picked up by a big-league organization, he might as well make some money. The torn biceps injury Ortiz suffered in May of 2005 may have cost him his last shot at affiliated ball. Let’s hope not.
There’s kind of an interesting dynamic between any deal with these two clubs: Butch Hobson and Rick Wise.
Wise was Hobson’s “Sundance” (see: pitching coach) in Nashua for a few years, and I’d assume (although maybe Jason could add some insight on this) that they’re still friends.
I think this dynamic is beneficial for the Barnstormers, because I’d be surprised to see Hobson hold back one of his guys from going to Wise’s team.
Wise and Hobson have known each other a long time. They were teammates on the Red Sox in 1975 and 1976. That probably played a role in Stevens coming to Lancaster in the first place. On the surface, it seems like there would be no problem working this out.
Josh was awesome in the few games he pitched for us…was it two or three games? That game he pitched in the playoffs vs AC was incredible. I hope this all works out and he is able to sign with us. Great news for all concerned!