Bringing them back
February 26, 2008 by Jason Guarente
The Barnstormers plan to bring back seven or eight members of last season’s roster. Three of them were named today. They are C Lance Burkhart, OF Dominick Ambrosini and P Ross Peeples.
None of these names comes as a surprise.
Burkhart has been a staple as the team’s catcher since its inception in 2005 and he’s coming off his best season in Lancaster. The 12-year veteran batted .275 with 17 homers and 50 RBIs in 86 games. The Barnstormers want Burkhart to guide their pitching staff and continue to provide underrated offensive production. His OPS in 2007 was .903. That was 20 points better than Jeremy Todd and about 90 points better than Jutt Hileman.
Ambrosini was the Barnstormers’ co-MVP — along with P Derrick DePriest — after signing with the team on May 23 and inexplicably being used as a platoon player for the first two weeks or so. Ambro ended up hitting .316 with 19 homers and 70 RBIs in 100 games. From June through August, he was one of the most consistent hitters in the league — posting batting averages of .368, .322 and .343.
Peeples is also returning for a fourth season. The lefty was part of Lancaster’s rotation during its inaugural season, but has pitched out of the bullpen since having Tommy John surgery in 2005. He went 4-3 with a 4.27 ERA in a whopping 71 2/3 innings. His WHIP was excellent at 1.21 and he only walked 14.
Burkhart, Ambrosini and 2B Mike Woods, who was signed earlier this month, will comprise three of the eight position player slots this season. If you pencil in Hileman, you can see nearly half of Lancaster’s 2008 lineup will be the same as 2007.
This is great news. I think Ross will do good. He was over-used (abused) the beginning of the year by Frank. That’s why I think he struggled at the end.
Jason, are you going to keep us informed of where other former Barnstormers sign in the Atlantic League? It would be nice to see where others end up.
Thanks.
Jaydogs man Dom is back. How exciting!
So far so good.
I hope the other four are:
- Gonzo
- Gus
- Stevens
- Q
Can’t remember if Gonzo and Q are even options.
I like it…Ambro can solve the DH Problem. He’s not much of a Gazelle in LF.
I’m not sure what Barnstormers could end up on other Atlantic League teams. We’ve talked about Stevens and the Blue Crabs. He might be the only one.
The Meet the team page is now up to date with everyone officially under contract.
It’s alway’s nice to see familiar peps back on the squad.
Glad to see Ambrosini, Burkhart and Peeples are back. Welcome back guys!!!
By the way, what ever happened to Jose Offerman?????
I missed the conclusion to that case.
Things are starting to look very good.
Lets not forget, last year we were coming off a championship win and the cards were stacked in our favor…. oops, not such a good memory
I think Von is going to do a great job as Mgr.
“Let’s Go Barnstormers”
I saw a great billboard coming into work today. It is before the Centerville exit.
It has Cylo on it and has in big letters “Last one here is a Revolution fan”. Got to love a rivalry.
OMG.. too cute
I think I saw Offerman on Maury a few weeks ago. Someone was screaming about him being their baby’s daddy and coming after him with a bat. Circle of life, man. Circle of life.
Jason-
The Meet the Team page is a nice resource. Thanks for posting it. Nice to see the team taking shape. I am tired of winter.
Offerman did play in the Carabien championship series.
Maybe Spiezio would like to do his rehab in Lancaster and play some 3rd and RF. And when he’s not playing sit w/Bob in Section 26 and throw beer cups at the visiting team bullpen.
I’m very happy with these signings. Having Jutt back would be very good as well.
Can’t wait until April!
Mike