VS ROAD WARRIORS
Darwin Soto (0-3, 7.94 ERA) vs.
Gustavo Martinez (4-3, 3.70 ERA)
In case you’ve forgotten, it’s an 11 a.m. start time today. The Barnstormers end their mini-homestand against the Road Warriors. Martinez, second on the team in ERA, is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in five starts this month. Soto is making his second start after 15 relief appearances. His first start only lasted two innings, even though he didn’t allow a run.
Pre-game notes:
– James Lira has been inserted into the rotation to replace Clayton Andrews. Manager Frank Klebe talked about the move at the bottom of the Game 50 thread. If you scroll down, Klebe and catcher Jeremy Deitrick talk about the ninth inning rally that fell short.
– Roberto Mejia is already gone. He signed with Veracruz of the Mexican League. Mejia never played a game for the Barnstormers. So there is no backup infielder again and none of the guys got a rest while Mejia was here.
– Jutt Hileman is not here for personal reasons. One bench player today: catcher Russ Cleveland.
Lineups …
Road Warriors (13-34) …………………… Lancaster (23-27)
Travis Ezi, CF …………………………….. Vince Blue, CF
Jorge Mejia, 2B …………………………… Danny Gonzalez, SS
Vito Chiaravalloti, DH ……………………. Jeremy Todd, 1B
Ian Bladergroen, 1B ……………………… Dominick Ambrosini, LF
Sandy Aracena, C ……………………….. Steve Van Note, 3B
Jason Bryan, RF ………………………….. Chris Van Rossum, DH
Steven Doetsch, LF ……………………… Mike Woods, 2B
Ron Fenwick, 3B …………………………. Jeremy Deitrick, C
Josh Arteaga, SS ………………………… Steve Booker, RF
Scoring summary:
FINAL: Road Warriors 12, Barnstormers 5
Road Warriors 1st: Mejia scores on passed ball. Road Warriors lead 1-0.
Stormers 2nd: Woods’ triple scores Ambrosini. Deitrick’s single scores Woods. Barnstormers lead 2-1.
Road Warriors 5th: Mejia’s sacrifice fly scores Arteaga. Bladergroen’s double scores Ezi. Road Warriors lead 3-2.
Road Warriors 6th: Bryan scores on wild pitch. Doetsch scores on wild pitch. Bladergroen’s hit by pitch scores Arteaga. Aracena’s walk scores Ezi. Bryan’s walk scores Chiaravalloti. Road Warriors lead 8-2.
Barnstormers 6th: Ambrosini’s double scores Gonzalez. Van Note’s single scores Ambrosini. Road Warriors lead 8-4.
Road Warriors 7th: Arteaga’s single scores Fenwick. Chiaravalloti’s home run scores Mejia and Arteaga. Road Warriors lead 12-4.
Barnstormers 9th: Blue’s fielder’s choice scores Deitrick. Road Warriors win 12-5.
RECORD: 23-28
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Josh Arteaga (3-for-5 with three runs scored out of the No. 9 spot in the order).
WHAT WENT RIGHT: *Crickets chirping*
WHAT WENT WRONG: To put it succinctly: The Barnstormers were awful. They committed four errors, issued nine walks, threw three wild pitches and hit two batters in a blowout loss to the worst team in the league.
*The sixth inning was a disaster. The Road Warriors sent 11 hitters to the plate and scored five runs even though they never hit the ball out of the infield. Team president Jon Danos and head of baseball operations Adam Gladstone watched the misery unfold from the press box.
“You’re going to have those games where you kick the ball around and throw the ball around,“ manager Frank Klebe said. “But it shouldn’t be that often.”
*Although you should never judge a team on its worst day, this game was emblematic of the Barnstormers’ overall problems: Their bullpen is lacking, their depth is non-existent and there’s a general shortage of talent. In the sixth inning, Klebe stuck with starter Gustavo Martinez far too long because the manager was reluctant to use his relievers. Rightfully so. When Klebe turned to Jason Norderum, the lefty walked two and hit a batter with the bases loaded.
“We haven’t been able to make the progress to help our bullpen out,” Klebe said. “We’re beating our arms up out there.”
*The lack of upgrades to the roster is starting to wear thin with the players in the clubhouse, most notably first baseman Jeremy Todd.
“There are holes that need to be filled and we haven’t filled them,” Todd said. “That’s the problem right now. We’ve got a good core group of guys here who can play, but need help and we haven’t gotten it.”
*While searching for relief help, the Barnstormers signed lefty Phil Norton, who allowed four runs in 2 1/3 innings in his debut Tuesday. With all due respect to Norton, he’s not what the Barnstormers needed. His addition gives Lancaster four lefties among their six relievers. Either the brass is oblivious to the team’s shortcomings or it is incapable of finding the necessary parts.
*The absence of depth shows up in a lot of ways: All four infielders — Todd, Mike Woods, Danny Gonzalez and Steve Van Note have played every inning since June 15. Relievers Eric Ackerman and Ross Peeples, in particular, have been worked too hard. Eventually, fatigue makes their production suffer.
“Our bullpen is getting worn out,” Todd said. “Our infield is getting worn out a little bit. Guys need to not have to be out there every day.”
*Roberto Mejia, the infielder the Barnstormers signed Sunday, left for Mexico Tuesday. That was yet another setback.
*BASA is struggling to do its job. Maybe having one company handle the baseball operations for four teams is asking too much. Maybe the Barnstormers simply aren’t willing to pay what it takes to upgrade. Something is clearly wrong. It shouldn’t be this difficult to find talent and bring it to Lancaster. It certainly wasn’t last season.
“I know what (we need),” Klebe said. “It’s the middle of the bullpen, another big bat in the middle of the lineup and a utility infielder. I’ve been saying that since the 20th game of the year.”
*Klebe is being a little disingenuous here. If you look at it objectively, he has fought change and has wanted to stick with his guys. Perhaps he is finally recognizing that this roster is not capable of winning a championship.
*The manager had a suggestion …
“This is a veteran league, but if we’re getting so thin and can’t afford the veterans that we’re supposed to get, we need to start thinking in a different direction. Let’s get some younger players.”
*That’s not the answer. The answer is finding premium talent to replace all the All-Star caliber guys that were lost. At this point, that talent might not be available. The Barnstormers might have slipped so far and waited so long to address their problems that there’s no chance for recovery. But you can’t let Reggie Taylor and Jose Ortiz walk out the door without suffering a drop-off in results.
“You saw what we had here last year to win,” Todd said. “We don’t really have the same personnel. We have a good group of guys, but there are certain aspects we need and we haven’t gotten them yet.”
*The Barnstormers are running out of time to fix those issues. The second half begins in 17 days and team appears to be in worse shape than ever. Does Todd have a sense that change is coming?
“No,” he said. “No sense at all.”
“We’re getting close to the second half and if we start off the way we’re going, the second half is going to be over with as soon as it starts.”
Nice early game! My gosh, what are you going to do tonight w/ your night off? The possibilities are endless!
Maybe he can take the wife and Bosco out to a nice dinner. How is the AC in there JG?
What a reason to miss a day at work. Also, I will be glad when Lance gets back.
Was that you on the dugout report. I got in late on it but it sounded like your Allstar lineup.
“Booker can slap the ball around,” Klebe said.
GROSS!
Yes, Burt Wilson and I are Dave Collins’ early-morning dugout show stars.
Who is Burt Wilson?
Is Bernie in the hizzy?
I am SO honored being part of your little blog world.
Walks and errors kill.
When is the autograph session. Also nice articles on Stevens and now I know why they lie in the DR.
Burt’s the Intell beat writer.
Is that Jutt coaching first? Looks like he might have made it back.
Nope, not Jutt. Bad eyesight.
gee…another unearned run and tied….errors kill your chances. With our record in day games it isn’t looking good.
Gee..behind now 3-2..I never drink in the day time..but I’m starting to feel i could use one. Doesn’t matter tho…I think any chance they had of winning the 1st half was lost last night. They better try and beat out Somerset for 2nd to better their chances for the wild card in case Camden wins the 2nd half too.
The Barnstormers are 2-7 in day games.
Come on PF, we sweep Camden and then Somerset and we are back in it.
Last night I think helped them to know that they CAN come back, just like against LI. Last night they were only 1 hit away from tieing it. That way they don’t get down like they were at the beginning of the year.
I vote no more day games unless we get a dome on the Clip.
Stormin..I don’t think what we say means a hill of beans to the players..I did give them an object finishing second at least. That will be a job and a half with our inconsistent play.Think of it..we may lose 2 of 3 to the leagues worst team at home..I pray they can rally. I’ve been to day games at the clip.and they play lackadaisical at best.
Where is Klebe he should have gone out and calmed all the players down.
I guess Klebe is giving up on this game. About time getting someone up in the pen. Maybe Frank has given up on the first half. I think a little league team could beat them today.
Maybe it’s time to get that ‘Basics of Baseball’ video out. I am not sure what is with Deitrick today? We need Lance. Maybe that is the lift they need.
I like you Tom. Always positive. Keep it going.
Gee…here’s Klebe now…
me thinks Norderum is a bad call right now.
awwwwful.
Norderu, should have been released long ago..looks like it’ll be 7-2.
another walk..8-2..
Man! So what do we do? I wish southernalfan didn’t scare away JTodds “what he would do” comments. It would be refreshing to hear those comments right now. Just at least to show that someone on the team is thinking!
As Dave says, I see some of the biggies are here to see this. They could of not picked a better game.
Why don’t you have a Barnstormer hat on Jason? I can make you a good deal on one.
How many have scored after that dropped sure out? What a way to get ready for a road trip, an important trip at that.
way to go Norton….
Check out his website. He posted some comments and wanted feedback on this great ‘Allstar’ field.
There is hope. We scored a lot late last night.
The Road Warriors’ rally …
Five runs. Six walks. Two wild pitches. A hit batter. An error. No hits.
way to go Dom!!!!
ok!!!!
Wow, sounds horrible. I’m glad I didn’t stop by for lunch.
What a pick me upper if they could pull this out.
We are back in it. Come on guys. We can do it.
Dave can you give the future pitching info for the rest of this weeks’ games. I thought I heard you say Josh was pitching Friday night, I thought he was to go on Thursday night. Friday is better for me! So if true, that’s great.
I’ll check with Rick…Henkel-Evert-Josh would keep us in rotation. We had the Lira spot start on Sunday.
How long has Burkhart been out Jason?
another error….
ugh – i can’t listen anymore.
i never thought I would want to get back to my regular work stuff while there was a game going on
reminds me of the 3rd game of the year…we lost to the road warriors 17-7.
Listen? You should be watching this.
Well you know what they say, a bad day at the ballgame is better than a good day at work. Except for Jason, Dave, Tom, and Burt. It’s both.
Burkhart was injured June 12. This makes 15 days.
He showed you!
Uh, June 11.
I take that back!
I was just wondering Cuz I understood he had just a couple stitches…that’s not a big deal…huh !
What happened anyway? Everyone was hush hush about it. The hush hush ends here!
but was was it in his throwing hand..I wonder?
gee…now I’m commiting errors lol !
if i were watching this game in the afternoon heat and sun, I’d be ready to hang myself
It’s contagous. I just hope Jason does’nt catch it.
We need a blogging AC zone. Can you work on that Jason?
it’s called “your car”
I want to comment about the field too..way too many high bounces…not a professional field for sure.
Yep. That would be a good place right now, BUT, I am waiting for that ‘once in a lifetime’ 9th inning come from way behind rally.
Plus you get a chance to rip a t-shirt out of the hands of a little kid with it being Day Camp Day.
I understand there’s $1 hot dogs today…I’m waiting for and not holding my breath $3-4 beer.
I heard Russ can even play Batboy.
technically, is it “witnessing” a 9th inning rally if you’re passed out in the mezzanine from heat exhaustion, sun stroke, and dehydration?
We want Russ. We want Russ. We want Russ.
I was actually thinking about going back to work, but I want to see Russ pitch.
This is the first time a position player has ever pitched for the Barnstormers.
haha..russ struck him out.
alright..Russ..good job.
Priceless. That’s all I can say.
about Miracle 9th inning rallies…they have happened in the Majors guite a few times.
another error..g for q…
It’s always a good sign when a position player has to pitch.
WHOO GO STORMERS!!!
oh well…on to tomorrow night.
When you loose 2 out of 3 to the worst team in the league, on the road all the time, no home field, that says something about the managing. We are 3-3 against them.
Just about the time you get your hopes up, someone does something stupid.
I guess since Jason has’nt said anyting, we are mathimatically still in it. We can have this little break and then sweep Camden and Somerset. But we end with these petsky RW before the All Star game.
I’ll have some quotes and a recap later … basically a cry for help from Jeremy Todd and Frank Klebe. There is a bright spot to games like this: They’re so bad, so embarrassing that it creates an even greater sense of urgency to make changes.
BTW PF, I have heard that players do read this site.
I think back and the error on Martinez trying to catch an infield fly (which even my daughter who played softball knows that the pitcher gets OUT of the way) starting the ship sinking.
Stormins new symbol is trying to tell us something!
I can’t wait to hear what Frank and Todd had to say!
Hi all:-)
WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!
Sorry, I got emotional and you just had us worried. Plus we needed you!
Radical.
Things have changed since you have been gone. Lira is now a starter (regularly) and you missed Cleveland pitching the 9th inning today. He was throwing high 80’s and low 90’s. I think he striked one out, gave up a base hit, had one pop and one ground out. Jason would have the exact numbers.
It really opens doors in the bullpen in those odd times you just need an arm for an inning.
I tried to find a symbol Mr. B that represented me the best. Just like Prince had a symbol for his name. One day I may just have the symbol which means “The Blogger Formaly Known As Stormin’ In York”.
Crap, better get back to talking about baseball. I am really waiting to hear Frank’s definition of HELP.
Like the new pic! Jason’s getting all artsy fartsy!
Pretty picture but you know what they say, “Light’s on but nobody home”. Get it?
Now that we got that disaster out of the way, I have a good (positive) feelings about this road trip. We do need Lance back.
The cool photo is courtesy of Marty Heisey, New Era photographer and blog fan.
Ah yes. Marty. Season ticket holder too. Him & his wife is so nice to talk to. My wife and I call her Diamondback Lady.
Crap. Another E. I meant “are” instead of “is”. These errors are contagous.
OK, the recap is added. I’m going to go stick my head in a bucket of ice water.
Actually I could not hear the “crickets chirping” for the hundreds of screaming kids looking for shade and entertainment.
Great recap. That says it all. Enjoy the ice water while some of us have to stay at work to make up the time lost sitting in what was a “How Not to Play Ball” ballgame. I should of taken sick leave because what I saw made me real sick.
Maybe the “Call to the Bullpen” should be replaced with the “Call to the BASA”.
With all the lip flapping going on in Lancaster there is a nice breeze coming out here to Manheim Township. Enough excuses. Time for some action.
Agree with stormin about Marty and his diamondback lady! (HI guys).
I was sick last night but did manage to get back to the game for the last couple innings….and todays game made me even sicker!!!! haha. JTs post game comments were right on the money as usual! As I have also said before BASA finding players for 3 different teams is ridiculous, stupid, dumb, and totally contadictory….the other teams seem to be able to get the guys they need..why can’t we? In my opinion BASA is clearly not intent on helping the Barnstormers out at this point.
I am wondering if that was really radical…. who chimed in above…she told me she wouldnt have blog access for the week shes at the shore??? Besides that…she wouldnt pop in and say just hi…..she talks too much for that!!! LOL.
pitchfork….it was Lance’s throwing hand..and arm..have you taken a look at his arm lately? Our stupid luck..when he comes back he will have trouble throwing to catch guys stealing.! I wouldnt be surprised at teams taking advantage of that when he does return. All I can say about what happened to him…..VERY STUPID on his part!
And yes players do read this blog…guaranteed!
The persons who I wonder if they read this blog are Danos and Gladstone…..hey guys do us a favor and work the transactions wires a little more!
For US not Camden or York!
Your recap…. WOW! It was gutsy, revealing and filled with unfortunate truths.
We all remember Franks commitment to his guys and more to the point, his original players, which obviously the plan has failed.
I’m really glad that Jon and Adam were there. I hope they see that the team sucks, and BASA is hustling everyone! They’re pretty much doing the old scam of shifting investments from investor to investor. The fans are catching on. The whole BASA thing isn’t just known in the independent leagues corporate offices or in our blog world. I’ve been surprised when talking to other people and finding out that more people than you think know that York and Lancaster are pretty much the same team. NICE FLIPPIN RIVALRY! Sorry folks, the blanket has been pulled from our eyes.
I forgot to mention something in the recap …
In two of Gustavo Martinez’s last three home starts, Jeremy Deitrick has allowed five wild pitches/passed balls that have scored runs. FIVE! That’s not acceptable at this level of baseball.
I think there are three issues at play …
1. BASA is having a hard time finding enough talented players to fill out four teams. That’s obvious. If one guy was focused solely on the Barnstormers, things would get done more quickly.
2. Ownership seems unwilling to be at all flexible with its budget to acquire players. The fact they couldn’t bring in Juan Melo is evidence.
3. Frank Klebe is too loyal to certain members of the team and has been generally reluctant to make changes.
It adds up to a mediocre team. The Barnstormers aren’t terrible, but they’re not championship caliber either, and that’s supposed to be the goal.
Very true Jason on all accounts. Those 3 items are increasingly obvious unfortunately! Also that is an interesting stat about the passed balls and wild pitches. I hadnt taken the time to recap those in my scorecards but thats way too many….at any level as you said.
Oh…and i can always see mediocrity when one day you are winning a game by a big score and then the next day you have trouble coming back from one run behind. Up down, up down is the way the season is….and that to me is one of the first signs you see in a mediocre team….they are terrible one day and then good the next. And in the long run that leads to a .500 team. I am not saying we are terrible either….although games like todays you really see how so-so we are.
Players (and for the most part ) the manager shouldnt have to beg for players to fill the needs of the team. Ownership should be able to recognize defiencies….and be willing to step up and make changes…pony up a little more cash! JT has been asking for “more help” from the very beginning of the season….its unfortunate that he has to do that because ownership doesnt care. And i think thats where the conflict of interest between determining which BASA team gets what. I still wont understand why 4 teams are all getting players from the same pool. It doesnt make sense…and its certainly not a fair way to do things. Cheaper? maybe..but really not a good call.
As soon as Lance comes back is Deitrick going back into retirement or is Frank going to use the excuse, we have room right now so let’s keep him until we find replacements.
Also, since you are not afraid of “speaking your mind” which we all can appreciate, what did you think of the move to bat Deitrick in the 9th last night?
You mean me Stormin? I didnt understand it myself. I guess he looked like a power guy to possibly drive in some runs there…but I just dont see it…Deitrick hasnt been all that “clutch”. Nah not afraid to speak my mind when it comes to baseball….hope no one minds!
Personally I would have liked to see Manny Santana in that situation…oh wait he’s not here anymore! haha.
Lancaster is making money. ODP is making money. Do you really think they care about winning? The AL has been around 9 years and has had 7 different winners… and no team has repeated. At least affiliated attempts to develop and teach players a certain “way” to play and then the guys advance through the organization and eventually hope to help the team.
With that said, I strongly believe Lancaster will come on VERY strong in the second half and turn things around. I don’t think Todd will be here, he’ll be picked-up if he wants, but I do think we’ll see some other very quality players.
Oh, and by the way, the Booker acquisition was purely to appease Steve. BASA didn’t recruit him, he called BASA. Steve is a local guy, from Central Dauphin (I think), and wanted one last shot to play in front of his family.
Sorry, I was thinking of Jason, but heck, I think everyone on this sight is “not afraid of speaking their mind” so thanks for answering the question. Anyone elses have any thoughts?
I would have left Booker in. Dominick is one of the few clutch hitters who can come off the bench cold and produce a hit. With him gone, Booker would have been my choice.
1. I think ownership cares about winning to an extent.
2. The fact that Klebe was choosing between Booker and Deitrick in a big spot last night is part of the problem. The bench simply isn’t as good as it has been in the past. I don’t think either one of them is the player you want batting in that situation.
Klebe is treating the Barnstormers like an affiliated team. He wants to sign younger guys who will stay all season and develop. You can’t do that and win a championship in the Atlantic League. When I was in Frank’s office today and he started talking about forgoing veterans and bringing in less experienced players, my head hurt. Everyone who follows this league knows that’s not the solution.
I believe I understand the concept of budgets very well. But this player salary budget issue really has me perplexed. There are 2 1/2 months left in the regular season. If Frank got the three players he says he needs, what’s the total incremental spending for salaries going to be for the balance of the season? $4000? $6000? If that. What am I not considering? In the overall picture that doesn’t appear to be a substantial amount of money. But maybe southernalfan is correct when he says winning isn’t that important to them.
One of the ODP teams will be in the playoffs for sure. Peter Kirk has hedged his bets and he’ll have someone to cheer for at the end of the year. Nevermind the fact that Lancaster’s success at the gate disproportionately funds the other ODP teams.
I agree with you on #2. That’s why Amy’s comment about Manny was so funny. The player you WANT to be in that situation is not there. Look at the players we have lost, Williams & Delgado Those are the type of players you want when you need a clutch “experienced” hitter.
Maybe you need to go back to the bucket of ice.
If I could bet on baseball, I’d put my money on Somerset over any of the ODP teams.
Jason.. You are the man. Great Job!!!!
There are a few problems here. We won the championship last year so BASA and the league could care less about us. No team has every won back to back championships in the AL
The Barnstormers raise ticket prices but cut cost in everything else because we won the championship. They now want to make as much money as they can and really don’t care about the fans
BASA is a joke. I could go on and on about how stupid BASA is. How can you have a company find players for four teams in the SAME league. Does the team that is kissing A** the most get the players and the others don’t. Somerset had it right when they dumped them before the season. Someone posted a commit a few days ago about the AL being like WWE. Well, when you have BASA finding players for four teams in the SAME league, then it sure makes the AL look like the WWE. BASA is the biggest problem here!!!
Frank also is a problem. He has shown that he can’t manage. We all know he is not going anywhere this year but maybe we can get someone next year.
The only way I see any of these problems changing is for people to stop showing up at the games then maybe BASA will get us players for we come back and make AL more money.
J. Todd is also the man. It is great to see a player speak up with all the crap going on. I just hope things change or this could be the last year we will be able to enjoy watching him as a Barnstormers. If things don’t change then I have a very strong feeling he will not be back and that will be by his own choice.
Also, don’t you all see a trend happening here. Players are going to Mexico in record numbers and I will say money is the biggest reason for that but I also think players are getting fed up with the league.
There are way more scouts in Mexico than in Lancaster… let’s be honest, Lancaster has one or two guys that have a legitimate shot at getting picked-up. In Mexico, however, the teams have way more prospects and the scouts flock there.
That’s not all true. There are scouts everywhere. I know for a fact that every ML team has at least one or two scouts keeping an eye on the AL. ML teams spend so much money on scouting that players don’t get overlook. Scouts may have different opinions on a player. Also everyone of these player have a track record (Baseball related) and teams know more about these players than we do. Players are not going to Mexico from the AL just for them to be seen. They been seen and if the ML team likes them and feel they can help somewhere in the organization then they get sign.
But many of the arms in Mexico are younger. And young arms draw more scouts.
Baseball is about pitching, defense, and timely hitting.
If te ML teams have couts here, then how is Stephens still in the AL?
Is it possible that Adam (& BASA) wrote off the first half of the season for Lancaster a long time ago. Waiting for the Mexican leagues to wrap up, knowing that it’s likely we’d get the power players back in time for a secind half championship run?
Scott, I have to think you are correct.
I strongly believe Lancaster will turn it around and win the second half.
Players don’t go to Mexico to get scouted. They go there to make money and open avenues into winter ball, where they can make more money.
I don’t believe BASA is waiting for the Mexican League players to come. That’s still another month away and who knows which of those players will want to come back? I think BASA is just having trouble finding players for a variety of reasons — including money. Camden plucked two off the Road Warriors today.
Money only matters to old guys that know there shot at the big leagues is over. Young guys, that are hungry and play hungry, want to be noticed. The AL just doesn’t have as many hungry players as they did in the past. Pete Rose Jr? Novelty. Some Nettles guy with 100 HRs in the league? He might as well be playing softball.
Hungry players want to play against other hungry players. Why do the Road Warriors occasionally get hot and beat someone? They are hungry.
BASA knows where players are, but they are doing their job for the contracted price. The AL is making a killing this year and doing a great job at making their stadium payments (in lieu of real taxes, mind you).
Klebe won’t be in Lancaster next year. I think you have a better chance of seeing Minor in Lancaster than in Southern Maryland. Where? That’s right, a AL team is headed to Southern Maryland…. Jason, have you heard about any excitement in SoMd? Could it be another disaster like York?
I heard this comment the other day:
“The RWs are the most profitable team in the league.”
I thought the comment was crazy until it was explained to me. If you run the numbers of the “extra” home games that each AL team has since the RWs don’t have a stadium, and “give” that attendance and revenue to them, they make more than any team. Especially when you consider their pitiful payroll and lack of mascot, stadium employees, etc.
It sounds shocking but it is true.
I’d say waiting for Mexican League players is a real long shot. What do they have to prove by coming back here?
Jason, your analysis was excellent, but your best shot of the day was post #29.
The Mexican players don’t have anything to prove by coming back here.
Other than another month pay and (potentially) a ring.
I wonder, though (and this may be a question for Jason to ask the players), what do the players covet more – a championship ring (Atlantic League or any other indy league) or one more shot in the bigs.
#29 not really a shot – just stating the facts.
Last time I looked, the Barnstormers record was only better then York and the Road Warriors. Playing for a championship here looks rather remote.
I laughed last night when Dave said on the air we could only lose about 2 more games to vie for the title. And we werent even at 500 yet. I think we were all dreaming a little the last few weeks.
We got a few wins in a row and we all got a little giddy.
I still love the baseball at the Clip Joint but we are such a long way away from last year.
Only a closing note—Congratulations, Jason on hitting over 90,000 hits on your site. If only we saw as many Barnstormer hits in Clipper Magazine Stadium!!!!!!
Championship is still possible.
That’s the beauty of the AL and the second half of the season
I guess the cat is out of the bag on how Lance injured his hand. Nice write-up on the bullpen catcher Shelly in todays Intell. Dreams can come true. Maybe even repeating as Atlantic Leagur Champions.
Sorry. It was in the East Lancaster County edition of the Intell, not the Metropoliten Edition.
Somerset sweeps Camden to move a half a game behind them. I am glad someone wants to win the first half.
i haven’t seen the cat
The Barnstormers have a fairly good shot at winning the second half. The South Division isn’t very formidable. York is awful and probably won’t contend. Either Somerset or Camden will have no incentive because it won the first half.
Plus, Lancaster has a great nucleus. An All-Star catcher and center fielder, a top five hitter at first base, the top shortstop and arguably the best pitcher in the league. The Barnstormers should be able to build around it.
How’s your head Jason?
If you want a chance to win the lottery, you have to buy a ticket. Same with winning a championship. It isn’t a gift. You need some players. When does “should be able to build around” become “starting to build around”.
Delete 132 . New laptop.
Yeah, I’m not saying the Barnstormers will find those pieces they need. I’m saying a giant overhaul isn’t necessary. I don’t even think they need a huge slugger any longer if they can make small upgrades at the bottom of the lineup.
The biggest issue is the bullpen, which is completely screwed up at this point.
Great bloggin guys!
I do think we can win the second half, and I also think we can come in last place. The team seems so unstable right now it’s hard to even guess. I think the stat that no team has won twice in a row could work against us because of course the odds and because of what the AL gods plans are for the league (whatever it may be).
and for all we know it could be another 20 years before the Barnstormers ever win another championship. Think about that!
Winning the 2nd half would be awesome, but I would be happy if the Barnstormers could just contend. But look at that starting line up yesterday. Do you see that line up putting fear into any starting pitcher.
Why has Frank switched Woods with Blue? I know he is supposed to be fast but I would think he would give Blue a few at bats further back in the line up till he gets his groove, plus Woods has not done too bad at leading off.
Having Jutt out of the lineup didn’t help but it proves you need good backups when a situation like Jutt’s happened yesterday.
To be fair, Tuesday’s lineup was missing Hileman and Burkhart. If you have … Blue, Gonzalez, Todd, Hileman, Ambrosini and Burkhart at 1-6, you’re doing OK — especially with four good starting pitchers.
If you add one more above average hitter, you’re doing better than OK. It doesn’t even have to be a slugger, just someone who hits for a decent average and doesn’t strike out a ton. That’s a big issue with this team: strikeouts.
But, as Mr. B said, this team is fragile. If it loses Todd, Gonzalez or Stevens for any reason, the season could go in the tank.
Yeah, some good baseball to go w/ the beer and hotdogs would be nice.
#139 was in reference to M&B’s #136 comment.
To answer the Woods question: He’s slumping. He’s 14-for-73 — a .192 average — in June.
That leads to ANOTHER problem. With Foster gone and Woods still not 100 percent because of his hip, the Barnstormers have no stolen base threats.
Stormin–I think you are in the best position. You have two teams to work with. I don’t blame you. I wish I could see stadium lights from my backyard. Sure both teams suck right now but at least York is still trying to get established. How is there manager? Yes I’m looking for something to be jealous about.
I had such high hopes for woods
While yesterday’s line up was missing Hileman and Burkhart, given the current roster, I think it is a line up that can be anticipated again. You quoted Jeremy “Our infield is getting worn out a little bit. Guys need to not be out there every day. Yeah your 1-6 looks pretty good, but can you count on it every day.
I like Hoiles. He seems like a good manager and is a fireball. I have seen him get tossed twice, once in Lancaster and once in York. He goes right after the umpire to protect the player, similar to Frank, BUT, I think he uses better words. I also like Minor. All their managers have major league experiece and Minor has experience in the AL.
He has a lot to more than Frank has to deal with. He has lost 4 players to being called up, loosing Bautista to Camden, and loosing Cleveland and Armitage to us for nothing in return. He just got into a stadium that is not even 75 percent complete, changing in trailers and they are only TWO games behind us.
I am still a Barnstormer fan and will be till the day I die. Even if York wins the championship this (anythingthing possible in this league) or next year, I am not junping ship. Kind of like a Yankees fan becoming a Boston fan.
You need to come see a game and see the “Green Monster”. York is in town this weekend against Newark.
I did notice Woods the other day. He seemed like he was not a full throttle.
Party at Stormins!!
Since Somerset is not a BASA team, will we ever get someone from them for the Manny trade?
Party at Stormins!
just kidding!
PILLOW FIGHT!!!
good question – Stormin’