Stumbled across this quote in Burt Wilson’s story in the Intell today …
“It didn’t happen, but I loved the way we battled,” manager Frank Klebe said (after Lancaster lost to the Road Warriors 5-3 Sunday). “We never quit and hopefully we can carry this last inning hitting-wise into tomorrow.”
If I’m a fan, that’s not the kind of comment I want to read from the manager after his team just lost to the Road Warriors. The same Road Warriors who are 9-36 against everyone but Lancaster and York this season.
You’re not supposed to “battle” against the Road Warriors. You’re supposed to win. Almost rallying in the ninth inning shouldn’t be seen as some kind of moral victory.
If you want to praise Carlos Castillo for pitching great — fine. If you want to compliment the Road Warriors for playing well — OK. But, please, don’t say you battled. That indicates a low level of expectations, especially from the manager of the defending champs.
It is time for Frank to go.
I am sorry. If these are the type of comments that he is going to make then he apparently is not a coach. I would have rathered him say, “We did not do it and we need to make changes to get it done in the second half”.
I assume he was trying for some positive spin that failed to come out right. This wasn’t the Tigers or the Red Sox they played. It was the Road Warriors. A team you would think we’d dominate this weekend, especially the way the pitching lined up. Think about it. 25% of the mighty, mighty Road Warriors wins came against the Barnstormers.
Quote from After Game 59:
Stevens said. “If we can sweep the Road Warriors going into the second half, I think we’ll be all right.”
….so now what?
As long as Lancaster’s fans keep showing-up to the Clip, there is very little incentive to make any changes with the team. Remember, the AL is a “for profit” business. These teams are not trying to help an organization win a World Series and teach youngsters “the Yankees’ way” or “the Orioles’ way”. The AL teams exist to make money for their owners and you do this buy having more revenues than expenses. Most of the owners, thanks to new stadiums and lump-sum payments instead of taxes, are making a financial killing. Face it, Klebe comes cheap, just like the players.
Attendance in Lancaster isn’t quite what it once was, from what I’m told. Some of that probably comes from the novelty starting to wear off, but some of that may have to do with the team’s mediocrity as well.
I understand that “the gate” is somewhat of a small percentage of a team’s overall revenue, but I’m not sure if putting out a questionable product on the field is worth sacrificing that dollar amount.
One of the reasons attendance is down slightly is the Barnstormers will play 42 home games in the first half, most of them on weeknights. It’s a saturation of the market because York didn’t have its stadium in place.
But if the second half starts off the way the first half went, I could see interest dropping — even among the diehards. I already see less interest on this site. It won’t be dramatic, but it will happen.
Unfortunately, the few of us who do criticize the product are about as loud as the sound of one hand clapping. Hopefully, the snowball will soon become an avalanche.
Another problem is the ones who blog, complain, cheer, and support the team are the ones who show up too every game because we love baseball.
I know someone commented this a few post ago but it would be neat if you put together a form that we could fill out and send in to let you have a better feel on who blogs on your sight. Could make for some interesting facts.
Watching the team play last night… they look exhausted. Lets not forget about the lack of days off this season. I don’t think this schedule is healthy for them or anyone.
I also think the organiztion should be forking out a little more $$$ to the players. Can you Say…. incentive
Not even a bonus for winning the championship…..
Why bother
I’m not sure if teams are allowed to implement bonuses into contracts, that may be a league rule.
As for the team looking tired, that’s understandable. The majority of the infield hasn’t seen a break in a long, long time.
I was surprised and upset that Danny and some of our other infielders did not get some time off this weekend. We have Wolff so why not put him in the lineup. Who cares if you are facing a right hand or left hand pitcher, our infielders need rest.
I know that every game means something but I feel it would have been in the best interest of the team to give our infielders some time off this weekend. That way we can go for it in the second half and not worry about Camden repeating and we needing the better record.
If things don’t turn around it is going to be Camden vs Somerset in the playoffs. Plain and simple.
According to my sources.. Another team what won 2 or so years ago, got a little bonus.
I think it’s probably up to each teams “front office”.
but that’s just my.. very unprofessional thought.
You’re right Stormin. They should of rested there starters and put in a few bench players to relieve guys and see how they do.
I’m assuming that Frank doesn’t make what Herr made? There isn’t a salary cap for coaches right? The NFL has a cap but that does not pertain to the coaches.
side note: That’s why as a Pats fan I fear this might be Belichick’s last year w/ the team
Apparently even Jason’s interest is waning. He’s not even at all the games!
Jason usually isn’t around on the weekends…. Bosco needs daddy too.
I believe one reason this site is lacking hits lately is because it has turned into gab central for who’s the cutest player talk!
Resting players is not Klebe’s strong suit. In his defense, he didn’t have a complete roster for a while.
But Stormin’ is right. Of course the starters shouldn’t have played every inning of a basically meaningless series against the Road Warriors in suffocating heat, but they did. Sometimes a manager needs to look at the big picture.
Wow, I was actually right for a change. I am going out and playing the lottery. As they say in Somerset, Woo Hoo.
It will be interesting to see what the lineups are tonight since neither team is in the race for the first half champs.
If Klebe is asking his guys if they want a day off, they will all say NO. He needs to tell them.
Anyway, the second half is coming and the team can rebound. It’s all about pitching and Lancaster just needs consistency from their arms….. doesn’t every team need this?
Two meaningless games in sweltering heat
I bet everyone swings at their first pitch and we’re all home by 9:00 (ok maybe 9:30)
I’d sit some starters tonite, especially those playing in the All-Star game. These last two games no longer have much meaning for the Barnstormers. To make the playoffs the Barnstormers have to win the division in the 2nd half. I don’t see them ending the year with a better overall record than Somerset, LI, or Bridgeport to qualify as a wildcard.
Any news on the Home Run Derby participants yet? I would think JT will be there.
#16: dead on. According to The List, I’m not a True Fan, and I was berated for my opinion enough for my liking so why bother with a serious discussion of anything? Since it’s not my site, I discuss and vent frustrations with friends now. It’s certainly not a lack of interest on my part.
And per Frank, I posted all I needed to post weeks ago.
Mark,
There’s always room for baseball discussion here. Feel free to vent your frustrations and ignore any criticism. I think it’s important for the Barnstormers’ front office to see what the fans think.
Mark (and OLD) -
Don’t let them win! This site has always had great information and insight. Jason will continue to feed it with both, but please don’t let it get down to his postings being the only ones worth reading! Stay here – there are some of us who still want to discuss the more serious side of the Barnstormers team, game, business and management decisions.
Mark, you are a true fan. Taking time out of your schedule to blog gets my vote. I love hearing from others their points of view of the team. Don’t let the comments of others discourage you. Vent away.
Jason is right now working on the “Barnstormin’ For Chicks” site.
Well said son!
If there ever was a time to B*tch now is the time.
I’ll go on the record and say right now the Barnstormers SUCK!! We need a new Manager, BASA Blows, and the players are overworked and overtired with no help on the sunrise.
FUUUUUUU>K THAT FELT GOOD!
Wow Mr B, you have been holding back. Tell us how you really feel.
To say that the Barnstormers suck puts blame on the players and I really can’t say that. They are doing the best that they can given the direction from management. To say management sucks, I agree. I am starting a campain for Jeff Scott for manager.
Actually, let me clarify one thing. I don’t think Rick Wise sucks. He has done a tremendous job as pitching coach working with the talent he has been given. The manager sucks.
on that last one I actually think I $hit my pants.
I agree Stormin, I don’t think it’s the players that suck, I think their record sucks which accounts for many things.
I have been a pretty faithful reader of the blog and up to now, I haven’t felt the need to comment because it was pretty much the same 8 or 9 people who were voicing the same opinions from night to night. It really surprises me that you would expect things to be better this first half!
Let’s start with Keith Lupton missing. Players respect Keith and wanted to play for a guy who had been around baseball for so long. Keith knew how to get the most out of a team for a little as possible. Most people may not have realized his importance to the organization. I know my thoughts on Keith may throw more gas on the BASA fire, but BASA does allow the ODP to function in keeping worker comp insurance down. If BASA was to exist well, each team would have their own agent working for their interest. This will of course never happen because of cost associated with 4, soon to be 5 teams!
Let’s continue to look at this year, and take away three very productive pitchers; Denny, Scott and Charlie and two bats in Reggie and Jose and you are surprised by the result. The writing was on the wall from day one. This is not the same team as 2006. I know you all have your favorites, but most of these guys are hanging onto the bottom rung of the baseball ladder. Yes, they many have played double A or higher, but for every Scott Patterson there are 10 guys who have played for 5 years in the Atlantic League.
I realize that I am preaching to many baseball purists who many bleed red, blue and wheat as I do, but if you want to follow baseball with this much detail, you should be looking at the Major Leagues only. Even in affiliated ball, it is not about win, it is about player development! Since 1995, the Reading Phillies have had 7 winning seasons and made 3 playoff appearances. During that same period, Harrisburg has had 6 winning seasons with 7 playoff appearances. Finally, let’s look at Jon Danos and the Bay Sox who were a dismal 3 winning season with 3 playoff appearances during that time period.
Most fans do not follow the team with as much detail as we all do. They have their favorite player, but they can’t name more than 3 or 4 other guys. If the team wins they are happy. If they have fireworks and get something free, they are beside themselves! Attendance is down and there is no doubt about it. They can tell us that there are 5,441 people at the game, but when we look around and see nothing but green, we know the truth. The organization has lost the focus on who is important, the fans! Food quality is down, my kid hates the new chicken fingers, the entertainment isn’t as good and the staff itself doesn’t seem to have the same spark toward customer service. It will level off eventually and 4,000 fans a game will be announced. Still, that is not bad for minor league baseball. I expect that you will all jump on my post much like the lionesses jump on the passing gazelle, but please understand that I post with the greatest respect for your love of the game and the team. I will retreat to my shadows and continue to read
Attack. The protest is now slightly above total silence.
Mark and whomever want to get on the chicks on this board…..I have stated this again and again…that so called list you guys are complaining about as far as true fans….that was not a personal attack on anyone here. It seems like there are some of you who are ultra sensitve about the comments I made about true fans. Its no reason to stop posting…I was just stating an opinion and thats it. I am not saying that anyone is not a true fan. And get over the fact that there are females on here. The fact that we are discussing things that you arent concerned about is neither here nor there. If any of you really want to get into a serious discussion abou baseball or the Barnstormers or team related issues I can get into it with any of you. You act like the only thing i am discussing is cuteness of the players….look back over my posts….there are other issues that I have commented on…pretty much every baseball related or team related discussion that has come up from the start of this blog. Just because Rad and juttsgirl and I are talking doesnt mean you cant as well. Exactly why cant you ignore it if you dont like it? Just like I ignore the bosco talk.
#32 what are you talking about?
Well, I’ll retract a bit and say as far as Minor League standards go maybe a few of the players suck, but that list is short.
As I stated last week, I stumbled over this website and appreciate all the information posted here. I am a life long Phila sports fan living and dying with the highs and lows (mostly lows). We were very fortunate to have won a championship in such a short time. Real fans will be with this team for the long haul (I know I will). I think we have to put everything into perspective …. we know how this league is run and we probably can’t change it. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the games. Remember in the big scheme of things it is still only a game. I have been waiting 27 years for another championship from the Phil’s, so I think I can give the Stormers a free pass this year. I now check this site out at least 3 times a day because I am a baseball fan. Keep up the good work everyone, and as FPScott would say ….. “LETS GO STRORMERS!!!!!!!”
HEY! Leave Bosco out of this!!
Stormin.. I agree that I would like to see Jeff Scott as Manager. He has done great with what he has been given. The Road Warriors are a LOT better than their record shows. I also agree with how Rick Wise has done. The bullpen is a mess but I dont blame him for that. He has done a great job with the starting pitching. I think he is getting the most he can out of the starting pitching. Frank has got to go!!!!!
I think tonight I am just going to sit back, relax, and watch baseball for the fun of it. After all, it’s $1.00 dog night.
As for the females, my wife loves baseball and when I showed her this site she thought it was great that so many women not only care about baseball, but really know the game. From what I have seen on this site, WE ARE ALL FANS!!!!!
By the way my sister in law and wife still can’t have a discussion about “their Phillies” without bringing up Pat Burrell’s butt. He still may be cute but the will be the first to tell you he sucks!
Let’s get ready to start the 2nd half with a bang! I agree on a new manager. Charlioe Manual or Frank, I’m not sure who is worse!
Regarding my post #32. Near total silence is 0 Db, the smallest audible noise. I think if you’re not happy with the status quo, now is the time to make some noise.
thanks Barney for the good words. There are way more ladies who are passionate about their team than the “other side” care to admit. You guys wouldnt want to get into it with me I guarantee I will give you a run for your money. Enough said on that.
Mr B…exactly.
Stormin…how would that be different than any other night? I enjoy the baseball every night..no matter what is happening.
I am usually on the edge of my seat and a little vocal toward the dudes in blue. I am going to save myself and rest for Wednesday night. Right now I am singing “Rain, rain, go away, come again Thursday night”.
SOMEONE CHALLENGE HER!!
It will be fun to watch!
I’M UP FOR THE CHALLENGE! Let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Dragoon. Baseball wizard and veterinarian! (Hi Bosco!)
CHALLANGE ISSS OOOOONNN!
Actually, the “true fan” thing wasn’t as offensive as the “shut up” in reply to someone’s post implying that Ambrosini may not be perfect in every possible way. The end result isn’t this post or that post, it’s all of them put together that becomes patently offensive. I basically gave up weeks ago when my frustrations with Klebe were met with such helpful replies as “you’re such an ass”, “you never know who might be listening” and “Do you expect him to come say goodbye to you personally?”. My opinion or perception has been changed more than once by Jason because he replied with facts and numbers instead of insults and vague threats. If ya’ll want to discuss this player and brownies and who gave a bat to who, great, go nuts. But if you want this site all to yourself and maybe two other equally offensive people, keep right on calling people names because they dared doubt the MLB all star sainthood of “your guys”.
Jason: Thanks! I don’t doubt the sincerity at all but, to be honest, I’ll believe it when I see it.
This isn’t a female/male thing.
While we’re venting, I agree – I don’t care who you talked to last night, where you were sitting, how many shirts you got in your closet. Geez – I like the Barnstormers, too. but c’mon. I Enjoy every minute at the games, get frustrated with all the crap going on, am interested in players stats and facts and former player progress – THATS why I read this. Not to keep up on your little circle’s social world
so hey how about dem Flyers!
BS.. I agree with you. I don’t have a problem getting off subject and talking about other things than the Barnstormers sometimes but it has got really bad of late. Amy says to not read them but it is a lot harder to do when you have 20 comments and 10 are off subject. I will be reading about what the barnstormers need and then out of the blue there is this one about I talk to this person or sat here or he is such a nice person. When this happen in about half of the post, it makes it very hard to read. I don’t want to make this an attack on the women because it is not. Most of these women know more about baseball than most fans do and I really enjoy hearing what they have to say about baseball and the barnstormers. It’s just the off topic has got pretty bad of late and makes it hard to read.
You got to love the title for this blog. “BATTLE LINES”.
Hm, I can go off subject too. I can stop right here right now, just let me know. Don’t feel bad either!
Back to baseball.
It was interesting listening to Charlie talk to Dave on the radio about the pitching situation he was in. What would be interesting is to see a side by side comparision between Charlie and Scott Patterson. Both are closers and both have also started and both are close to be called up but my gut says that Charlie is going to go before Scott.
Don’t get me wrong, both are deserving of the shot at the majors but it would be interesting to hear why peolple think one over the other. Is it because of the organization each of them is in? Phillies vs Yankees.
Jason.. We all know it will not happen this year but do you see Barnstormers looking for another manager next year (It may to be early to know the answer of this question) or keep Frank. I know he did not have a ton to work with but he has made mistakes after mistakes and also just does not see like he cares. I know he probably does care but when he talks to the media, it sure looks like he does not care.
BTW: I do think we need to rest players but I would not rest them all at the same time (We should have started resting them this last series one player at a time). I hope we win the second half but if not and we have to go against Somerset for the wildcard then these games are very important in the big picture.
Jason- Good article in today’s New Era. Right on the money…. I hope it doesn’t cost you your parking pass.
Now, fellow fans, let’s quit taking everything so personal on this site.
In all honestly, the odd infatuation with Bosco does weird me out a bit, but I get over it. Similarly, if some of your are annoyed by the comments about baking brownies for players, get over it.
I haven’t had a chance to read all the comments on this thread because I was in the clubhouse, but if you missed No. 32 go back and read it. It was hidden in the moderation queue.
This blog actually isn’t so bad. A few years ago in Williamsport (The Crosscutters) the fan site actually got out of hand because certain groupies, and I do mean groupies, found out that players were “dating” several girls at the same time. The players started posting, the girls were posting and the site actually led to several physical altercations in, and around, Williamsport.
To answer James’ (Play to Win’s) question:
Frank cares. He wants to win badly. I don’t think he has enough players to win and I sense BASA is not helping him much. I don’t know why. Klebe is managing for his job at this point. I think everyone realizes it. Things have to get better and — right now — I’m not sure they will based on the state of the roster.
Also, I’m not sure Klebe and the Atlantic League are a perfect match. He might be better suited managing younger players. That’s just my opinion.
I always loved this dish, and you can do virtually the same thing with a butterflied chicken breast. Simple and oh so delicious! Enjoy!
Shrimp Monterey
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2T fresh parsley, minced
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a skillet over medium heat, saute garlic in butter for 1 minute to release flavors. Add shrimp; cook for 4-5 minutes or until pink. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a greased 11″x7″ baking dish; set aside.
Add wine or broth to skillet; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until sauce is reduced. Pour sauce over shrimp; top with cheese and parsley.
Bake, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Excellent when served over wild rice with a side of sugar peas.
Jason, Thanks for pointing out #32. Good post. No one should jump all over Red Six. Everyone should read the post and nod their heads.
YES YES
Keith Lupton is what this team needs – I’ve said that a couple of times here
Can I just say that it is nice to come somewhere to see true fans. You people must be the only 50 people out of the 7000+ who remained standing Saturday night after Van Rossums slam. I was in shock when mostly everyone sat down after he touched home and didn’t make him do a curtain call. I agree with the posts here that say management is the problem both in the front office and on the field. Let’s just throw this question out in the open for you.Do you think that maybe we, the fans, should share some of the blame? Here’s why I ask. The last 2 years, The Clip has been loud for every game my family went to, this year, the electricity isn’t there. I understand that the newness has worn off a bit, but it shouldn’t be that quiet in there. Have you noticed that the sound guy has to play the music to get everyone to start a clap? Those of you that were there Saturday night, did you notice that the wave was started 5 times, but never made it past 4 sections. They had to put it on the centerfield board to “do the wave”. I’m sorry but thats ridiculous. Alright, one more for ya before you folks tear me up. With 2 outs in the ninth, I stood like a good fan should, rooting for Depriest, when the guy behind me says “I’d like to see the game”. If he had a health problem or something, thats fine, I can understand. But all the 6 or 8 of them did all night was sit back and bitch about everything. Yes, I left him see the last 2 pitches because I moved to an empty seat and stood to support OUR team. So, as a player, would you try harder if your fans did things on their own? I know I would. Do you think they notice that the clapping stops as soon as the music? It didn’t used to, we carried it through the pitch. So, I’ll ask again, Do you think the fans can share some of the blame?
Jason–That was a fantastic story in tonights New Era. They should get the hint from that.
Jason, spending time in the clubhouse. Are we going to see you filling in for someone tonight?
Seriously Right here and right now!
Just kidding!
Red Six—You should chime in more often
#32 is exactly right. Again I ask, what does this pursuit of perceived conspiracies hope to accomplish given what these guys get paid and what we pay to see them? Other than ruining a good time for thousands of people every night, I don’t get it. And again, sure, the AL isn’t the best of all possible choices, but they brought baseball to Lancaster where everyone else said “no”. If nothing else, they should be given some latitude for that.
And before my words get twisted….again….my previous posts are about common courtesy. I couldn’t care less about gender, race, religion or much of anything else. To say I’m “jumping on the chicks” rings as hollow as saying the “true fan” read as an opinion instead of an ultimatum.
Time to head to the game and hang out with a few thousand friends.
Kind of reminds me of a song. “I’ve got friends in low places”.
Or “All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight”.
Amen #32, especially the last paragraph.
Done with you Mark. You completely misread my true fan thing thats all I am saying…as did a few others. It is strictly the opinion of autograph amy…nothing more than that. I really dont give a crap what you feel about my opinion….you don’t like it that fine i have no problem with that. What do you mean it reads like an ultimatum. Its what i think a true fan conveys. Ignore what i say…thats fine but if you thnk I am a groupie or rad is a groupie or whatever you want to assume. thats fine too.
Have to agree with Autograph Amy in #34, I like baseball yeah i have my favorites but I still like the game of baseball and always will
What challenge are you talking about and why?
Pfft, thanks for underlining my point for me, I couldn’t have described it better. Adios.
you know i am groupie right in there with amy and rad
Please note No. 63. It was stuck in moderation.
Also, let’s keep this from getting personal, folks. We all share a common interest in the Barnstormers and we should enjoy discussing them.
Mark I am not leaving the blog thats for sure… and I am not leaving the Barnstormers so whatever. If you think you are chasing me away…forget it.
And agree with #75.
dmd
I am not a “groupie” in the true sense of the word and quite sure Amy isn’t either… unless she is up to something I don’t know about…. wink, wink!!!
I will bake for the guys, clean their clothes… sew their clothes, share a beer with them but I draw the line at … the “true groupie” meaning.( actually, (I’ve never had to draw the line, they are all gentleman)
I Love the team and hope that in some way some little thing I do for them or bake for them will make them feel at home and keep them happy… and hitting/ pitching GREAT.
Sorry for the typing errors… way past my nighty night time.
See you all at the Clipp.
thanks rad. i knew you weren’t a groupie we just love the Stormers and how proud we are of them.
I’m not trying to chase anyone away from anything. Nor am I going to be chased away again. The team has been bad this year. There’s no denying it, just look at their record. There are lots of reasons why, there’s no point in revisiting that here. And it gets really frustrating. After watching pitchers fall apart on the mound in game after game and see Klebe do nothing, it was obvious to me that Klebe was a large part of the problem. There were at least a couple people here who REALLY didn’t like that idea and I caught a lot of hell for posting it, but it was my opinion and it turned out I wasn’t wrong. And I jumped all over a couple players here and there because of some obvious mistakes or an apparent inability to do anything right on a given night. When it was Van Note, no one really cared but when it was Todd or Ambrosini or Gonzalez or someone along those lines, people got all bent out of shape. But it was my opinion and I wasn’t always wrong. And when I was wrong, Jason would correct me with facts and numbers and I’m a better spectator for it. So all I’ve been trying to get across is this: When I vent here, it’s my opinion. I’m not personally insulting players and I’m not personally insulting anyone here so there’s no need to reply as though that’s what I’m doing. And better to vent here than through a megaphone at the stadium, right?
Finally, I didn’t bring up your post to single you out. I also used another post from someone else and I used them as examples of why I stopped bothering with the site for a while. In my opinion, people were taking things personally when there was no need to do so and replying in kind. When Todd is 0 for 4 and botches a play at first, saying he sucked last night isn’t incorrect and it also isn’t a personal insult against Todd, you or anyone else. It’s an opinion of his performance last night formed by what I saw at the game. Granted, after a bad game, especially when it’s in a string of bad games, I tend to be a bit blunt, but it’s not meant personally and if I’m wrong, show me why I’m wrong. Don’t just call me an ass or say I’m wrong because he’s “your guy”. Like it or not, the “your guys” have bad games too. Hell, my favorite players improved but weren’t doing well for a long time and one of them is gone.
Sorry to write another tome. I’d really like to eliminate this animosity and get back to the Stormers. Hoepfully this helps.