10 things we’ve learned …
April 28, 2008 by Jason Guarente
… from the season-opening series.
1
Mike Woods is an OF now. The speedy leadoff man opened spring training as the starting 2B, but it doesn’t appear he’s going to see much time at that position. Woods played LF for the first two games, and – with Danny Gonzalez at SS and John Nelson at 3B – utility man Lloyd Turner got the nod at 2B on Sunday. This isn’t a bad move for Woods. He has great range as an OF and proving himself as a strong defender there could enhance his value.
2
Ian Bladergroen could be returning to 2004 form. The 1B has 274 at-bats in this league, including his time with the Road Warriors, and he’s sporting a .382 on-base and .489 slugging. While much of the talk centers on Brian Stavisky possibly getting picked up by an affiliated club, Bladergroen could also draw interest. He’s still just 25 and – unlike many good hitters in this league – is a plus defender.
3
The Barnstormers need a fifth starter. They’re using the off day to skip that spot the first time through the rotation, but eventually they’re going to have to find someone to fill that role. It was supposed to be Derek Forbes. He bombed in camp. Then it was going to be Ricardo Gomez. He was shaky in relief Sunday. Don’t be surprised if Rob Averette gets considered. He had good numbers in this league as a starter for Somerset. Or Lancaster could go shopping.
4
Ross Peeples is buried deep in the bullpen. The Barnstormers used five relievers in the loss to Bridgeport Sunday and Peeples wasn’t one of them. Of the seven relievers available in the series, only Peeples and RHP Franklin Mendible didn’t see action. Peeples had a rough time during his last spring training outing. It appears that has affected his standing among the relief corps.
5
The Barnstormers don’t miss Dominick Ambrosini’s bat … yet. They put up plenty of runs and showed lots of power while forging this 2-1 start. But if Stavisky or Bladergroen get picked up, the team may regret releasing a guy who batted over .350 with 13 homers in 195 at-bats at Clipper Magazine Stadium last season. We’ll wait and see.
6
Vasili Spanos is an instant fan favorite. During spring training games, he took his personal batting tee to the adjacent field and hit balls into the fence for practice. He’s a workaholic away from the games and exhibits all-out hustle during them. Fans and managers appreciate it. The fact that Spanos has reached base safely in five of seven plate appearances is nice, too.
7
Gonzalez is more comfortable at SS than 2B. It’ll be interesting to see how that affects the middle infield playing time since Nelson only plays on the left side of the diamond. Who will get the bulk of the starts at SS? It’ll probably depend on who hits better. Nelson struggled in camp and is 1-for-8 with five strikeouts during the regular season.
8
The visa problems incurred by Sendy Rleal and Jose Cabrera have left a void. The Barnstormers have already taken steps to shore up their bullpen in the absence of those two former big leaguers. They acquired P Judd Songster and Averette during spring training. Is that enough? Maybe. Songster has terrific minor-league numbers and Averette is a polished veteran. But the team is missing that hammer in the ninth.
9
Von Hayes likes his pitching staff, which was considered the question mark heading into the season. “Our pitching is better than I expected,” the manager said following Sunday’s loss. “The guys here are making quality pitches. I’m very happy with the way things are going so far.”
10
Spring training is a poor early-season predictor. Bladergroen hardly hit at all during camp and DH Matt LeCroy tore the cover off the ball. Three games into the season, LeCroy is 1-for-12 with no extra-base hits and Bladergroen leads the team with two homers.
I like the reference that Dave Collins made comparing how LeCroy is starting out as did Reggie Taylor in 2006. And we know how Reggie faired.
It looks to me that Matt is trying to hard to live up to the expectations everyone has been talking about and he looks fooled by a good breaking ball.
He is a nice guy and my book is still open on him. Let’s see how he does in LI. Maybe like someone else said here, move him down in the line-up to take the pressure off. He started Friday as #4 and Saturday and Sunday as #3.
Actually, no, I don’t know how Reggie Taylor fared.
Pardon my ignorance on the subject.
Taylor was 2-for-18 after his first five games before he caught fire.
Ah…ok, thanks.
So we’ll look for LeCroy to go 1 for 6 in the next 2 games and then he’s good to go.
No worries.
a guy in the office who follows the majors (and is a Twins fan) but has much disdain for Indy ball was just talking about LeCroy this AM. Wondered where he was at this year.
Told him he’s with Lancaster and the guy immediately cringed and didn’t realize LeCroy sucked so bad
I’ve been trying for 3 years to get this guy to come out to the ballpark (he lives in York and will never join the Revolution). Perhaps we need to come up with a top 10 list as to why the baseball snobs should give Indy ball a chance.
Thank goodness he won’t join the Revolution. That means we have a chanvce with him. Do I need to talk to him? One Yorker to another.
Scottie …..
I got the same thing with a guy I work with. Actually year one I was skeptical. Growing up in Phila I had the Phillies and it was only a short trip to Reading. Once I accepted this league for what it is, I have put things in perspective and thouroughly enjoy it. I averaged 6 R-Phils games a year, but didn’t make it to a single game last year because I was following the Stormers. This guy I work with won’t even give this league a chance. He even turned down free tickets to Friday nights opener. I would be interested to hear how other Stormer fans try to sell the team and the league. You hit the nail on the head wih the term “snobs”. The way I look at it we are baseball fans, not just “affiliated” baseball fans.
GO STORMERS!!!!!!!
OK, I just talked to another Stormer fan and here’s a start ….
1) These guys play because they want to, not just for the money!
2) This league is about winning, not developing players
3) There isn’t a bad seat in the place!
4) The beer is cold!
5) Players interact with the fans
Scottie,
I guess it depends what a fan is looking for.
If a fan is looking for huge stadiums where only 1/3 of the seats are great, or looking for little chance of interaction with players, or if the fan enjoys paying 300% more for tickets, or prefers driving over an hour for the closest ball park, then yeah, I can understand why that person would want to stay with MLB exclusively.
Makes sense to me.
(Sorry for the run-on sentence above)
My hubby said he would go to games if there were cheerleaders !!!!!
Then I smacked him in the head REAL hard
the run-on sentence makes your point brilliantly!
Gee, Mr. Stormer, it sounds lyke ewe and yore “other Stromer fan” our az schmartt az mi.
Dad-gummit, I didn’t even try that “Stromer” typo.
And why am I telling you guys that??
I think the best way to convince skeptical fans is to compare a Barnstormers game to Reading or Harrisburg. The stadium is nicer here. The show is better. On some nights, depending on who’s pitching, the level of play is higher.
Some people might want to see the future Phils or that stud prospect from another team who will be in the majors in two years. But other than that, I don’t see how the Reading or Harrisburg experience is better.
Harrisburg has the worst seating… metal benches.. I’m too old for that again !
Reading was tight plastic seats but do-able… but of course NOTHING compares to the Clipp. And the fans are sooo freindly here Too
Oh… and the flying bugs on the Island [thousands of them]… need I say anymore? NO… PERIOD !!!
imho, watching a minor league game is like watching a high school game. I don’t know who 95% of the players are and I’ll never hear of any of them again.
AL is cool - cuz I know of some of the players. Many are a shell of their former selves, but it’s still neat to see these guys play (except for Juan Gonzalez. Don’t think i ever saw him get past the top steps
)
My buddy at work doesn’t watch a lot of minor games, but does go to New York, Baltimore, Philly a few times a summer. He’s bought into the stigma that Indy ball is worse than affiliated. worse than college, even. (as we all know) that kind of feeling is prevelant. I use to work in tv news and saw an area sports anchor I use to work with at the All-Star game last year. He didn’t seem happy about covering the event, but the longer he stayed for the game, the more he seemed to be enjoying it.
It’s just a matter of getting the snobs out to the ballpark - and getting their guard down so that they can just enjoy a good ball game.
Mayflies in Harrisburg.
they even had hats made one season, where the cross-bar in the ‘H’ was a mayfly.
The most frustrating thing at Reading is seeing a pitcher pulled after “X” pitches. Saw this happen a few years ago with the pitcher working on a no hitter. If I remember, that was one of the things that bothered Tom Herr managing last year (it was about devlopment). As Von has said this league is all about winning. Reading has always been a benchmark for a minor league ballpark and I agree that Lancaster has done things right!
I have 4 kids, so I’m speaking as a family man here.
I was at the game Saturday night with 3/4 of the fruit from my loins, a friend and his two kids.
1) It took us less than 20 minutes to get to the stadium and park for FREE.
2) The children wore baseball uni’s so we purchased 7 lawn seats for $12.
3) This is the first time I’ve done this at the Clipp, but I purchased the wrist bands for two of my kids ($8).
4) Pre-game, my oldest son (11) and I went over to section 1 and got autographs from Stavisky, Cassa, LeCroy, Hileman, and Bladergroen. (btw, that Stavisky character is friggin’ YOOJ!)
5) During the game there were no less than TWO times that my son looked over at me and said “Dad, stop screaming in my ear!” (Blade’s, HR OVER the tents, and Jutt’s triple). So there certainly are chances to get excited about things.
6) We even had a homerun hit directly over our head. Of course it was for Bridgeport, but still.
I’m not saying that any of these should make a person instanly fall in love with indy league, but for a family man it’s certainly enough reason to at least give it a try.
For future refernce, if you know when you are going to a game buy your tickets in advance on line. You will save $1 per ticket that way. The best thing the Stormers do is the ticket situation. If something comes up and you can’t make it, nNo problem! You can just exchange the tickets for a future game. My neighbor has a 22 game plan last year and did this 6 or 8 times, no questions asked! If the game has already past, you can only do this for lawn seats but they are still letting you in the park. After the 4th inning make your rounds and you can usually find a seat and the ushers won’t bother you (unless your behind the Stormers dugout).
“After the 4th inning make your rounds and you can usually find a seat and the ushers won’t bother you (unless your behind the Stormers dugout).”
I didn’t see the gistapo there this weekend.
Syd, your comment #10. That’s the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?
For me to drive to a Stormer game, not considering that I work in Lancaster but my wife drives from Red Lion, is about the same to a Senator’s game. I have lived here since 1989 and have been to (3) Senator’s games and (2) of those was to see Patterson pitch.
There is no comparison. Lancaster wins hands down. BTW, I love May Fly topping on my ice cream, NOT.
Yeah, I saw that on the wall behind the ticket agents that we would’ve saved $2 by pre-ordering. I wasn’t sure how that would work w/ all the kids getting in free so I just waited until we got there.
I’ll give that a try next time.
I did the ticket exchange thing a few times last year too because of rainouts, etc. That was great!
I’m not sure what the ushers would do w/ me suddenly showing up in the 4th row with all my kids following me. I guess it’s worth a try. Not that I’d ever condone anything like that (nor downloading music/movies illegally, of course).
I usually work solo after the 4th inning, so finding a seat isn’t a problem. As for making a move with the kids, you would have to ask Scottie. His comments kept me amused last year (that’s why he refered to the gistapo in 22 - I made the dugout comment to see what treaction Scottie would have). There are pros and cons when you move. Yesterday Jutt’s HR landed right where I was sitting earlier, but on the plus side I moved to Section 7 and had a great view of the winner of the Turkey Hill Chug blow chunks! When you hear the moo, you know where to spew!
A few things I learned this Opening Weekend.
1. Hayes isn’t afraid to yank a Pitcher. Thank heavens!!
2. Hayes isn’t afraid to HitnRun. Thank Heavens!!
3. The Fielding is ok but I can see it being a Problem
4. The Bluefish are gonna be Cellar Dwellers.
5. Not only is the Beer Cold…so is some of the “Hot” Food.
6. Not only do they Close the Parking Lot behind the Scoreboard at top of the 9th for Fireworks…they ALSO close the Armstrong Parking Lot…that was a bummer.
7. I.M. Fun certainly is.
8. The Missing Speedgun needs to be FIXED!!!
9. Don’t park near the “No Parking ” signs in the gravel lot..whoa Nellie!!
10. It’s good to be back at the Clip.
I heard several employees parked there and got towed. They said the signs were placed after they parked… now they are $180.00 later/lighter.
Where exactly is the gravel lot? I’ve only ever parked behind the Turkey Hill scoreboard and over by Armstrong once.
I kept hearing the announcement on Saturday but wasn’t sure what Mr. Announcerman was talking about.
Booby,
You forgot one:
11. Having a runner on first is not an automatic time to sacrifice.
Barney - I saw your bait, I left it go.
the lawyers suggested that it’s better to not comment
djspleen - we had a good conversation last year about ’seat jumping’. My kids are 9 & 7 and we end up all over the park, watching from different angles (not always in the bowl, either).
Towards the end of the season, we went to sit behind the Stormers dugout and got kicked out by an usher. I said “we have season tickets” (which we did) and he said “good, then go find your seats”.
Later that game - bottom of the 9th, 1 out. I see some kids walk down to the same area. Same usher came and kicked them out. And as he was doing that, the game ended. Really worth the time and effort…..
and yes - I’m still bitter. in case anyone is wondering.
oh…heck. I dunno. If I paid for Season Tickets for the Front Row, or close to it, I wouldn’t be happy if someone was sitting next to me that paid for a Lawn Ticket. It’s not speeding if you don’t get caught?? I think that’s why there are different Ticket prices. I guess I’m a ticket snob.
I was impressed watching Michael Woods play this weekend. I liked his hustle, he ran onto the field, he ran off. He wants to be there and you can tell.
Watching Danny is sometimes painful, he saunters out and saunters in, he does not show much “moxy” to be out on the field. IMHO from the stands I would rather a player looking like he wants to play. I saw two plays Friday where Danny appeared to phone it in, and the one play yesterday that scored two runs… the ball rolled past second base and he just watched it go. He may not have been able to get the ball but… he could have tried. I get frustrated that a player of his caliber can play so lackadasial and still get praise.
I agree with post number 32.
dj.. the gravel lot is towrd/on Harrisburg Pike opposite the kids play area. It looks like an auto shop. I use it to cut through coming down Mulberry from the “southern end”… since the city seems to be shutting down various roads lately. I avoid Queen St. like the plague~
I agree with Scottie on this one. If a seat is open and no one is obviously sitting there, then why not take it. If you paid for your seasoned seat then be happy it’s guaranteed. It’s definitely not worth getting worked up over seeing someone sitting in a empty chair or especially ruining your game experience.
Personally, when I seat hop, I like to make sure I get a real nice sweaty stench going, then I talk to my new neighbors around me about how I could really use some money for food.
Good Top 10, Jason.
If you want a really good seat, talk to the Faulkner Group. They have some really nice seats right behind the home dugout.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe that there are different pricing for season tickets.
If you want a better seat(s) than you currently have, see what’s available prior to the start of the season and make the move. This would take care of your dilemma.
These are all alternatives that will help relieve your stress from getting booted for pirating seats that aren’t the one’s you paid for.
Sorry you still harbor bad feelings over an usher doing the job he has been told to do.
Go to Philly or Baltimore and try to sit in a dugout seat you didn’t pay for. Yeah, right!
There’s a new Alumni Page. So you can see how Dom Ambrosini, Derrick DePriest or Eric Crozier among others have fared to this point.
The 2008 Roster page now includes a link for each player’s game-by-game results and overall season statistics.
Nice feature Jason. One day my goal is to make it to the Barnstormin’ Bloggers Alumni page. Or at least the Barnstormin’ Blogger Hall of Fame.
Stormin’ In York
BBHOF ‘2011
Jason–Thanks for the new treat!!
Stormin–You would be on the first BBHOF ballot. Autograph Amy was a shoe in until she mysteriously disappeared.
i’m a hat buff….
but how come York wears the New Era 5950’s…but Lancaster still goes with Twins/The Game?
New Era is baseball……
#37: i didn’t want to get into a whole discussion again. This ran it’s course last summer. But to answer your question: I’ve done it. Nothing happened. Talked up the ushers and he actually showed us what seats were empty for that game.
It’s not an issue of ’stealing’ someone elses seats. Especially considering my season ticket seats cost more than the ones we jumped too (good luck with that arguement). But keeping these arguements in mind, I’ll be sure to turn down free supersizing at my next visit to McDonalds. And free upgrades on my next flight. I didn’t pay for them, I don’t deserve them. Point made. Scottie - out.
41: Twins is little league. that’s what my 8 year olds wear
apologies to Jason for getting the whole seat thing started again. Feel free to delete my posts at your leisure.
the most disturbing thing about this whole debate: Mr. Barnstormeris agreeing with me?! I owe that man a funnel cake!
i still wear my New Era wool 5950 ‘Stormers hat from the first season (they sold them for 50% off or something because the logo in the back was too large).
I am hoping, that since York and a couple other teams wear New Era, that the Barnstormers will pony up the money and switch to New Era.
Majestic jerseys would be pretty sweet too.
New Era caps have it ALLLLLL over Twins /The Game cap.
That time around it seemed like we disagreed without attacking anyone, That is a welcome addition. Hats off to all in both sides of this discussion.
Scottie:
Funnel Cakes are so 2007. It’s Auntie Anne’s prezels now!
Can’t spell tonight. I forgot the “t” in pretzels but I’m sure you all know what I meant.
Auntie Anne’s pretzels for Mr. B.
if he ever reveals his true self.
heck, I’ll even buy for Bob!
If Mr. B does not show his true self, I will. Anything for one of those delicious treats. I think you will have to throw in a beer for Bob. He needs it to wash down the pretzel.
Off the subject but I’ve recently moved and along with me came my Barnstormers paraphenalia collection. This evening I broke out the various balls I’ve collected and as I was putting them in the display, I came across one signed by Russ Cleveland. It got me to thinking about how cool Russ was, what with his almost constant grin and having the stadium play White Zombie when he came to bat. You sure don’t hear that this year. He was a great guy to have around.
OMG.. someone else mentioned Russ… I miss him
Jason.. where is he???
Hey, how about those FLYERS !!!!!
Speaking of Mr. Cleveland, I have a story.
I was with some of my family down in section 1 post game last season, lookin’ to see what memories we could make.
Well, Russ had all of his stuff gathered up and his arms were full as he was walking back to the locker room. He started walking past the fans but then turned back, came towards my then 10 yr old son and handed him his bat.
You should’ve seen the look on Ty’s face! I’ve never seen his mouth hanging open quite like that (unless he’s eating ice cream). Mr. Cleveland made a forever-fan that night. Ty was a bit disappointed to hear Mr. Cleveland wasn’t on the team this year.
Russ had a great game that night, an HR and several RBI’s. My son is assuming that this is the bat used for the HR. It’s cracked (which is why he gave it away) so who knows.
Either way, my son cherishes that bat, and as a father I was thrilled to see him so happy.
Cool story about Cleveland. Just another reason to love the minors.
As far as revealing myself…..
Being Mayor for a small town in Lancaster County, unveiling my true identity could have negative implications for future campaigns.
Ahhh, I think I’m gonna cry.
Some one please tell Von that if he needs an overall utility man.. Russ is IT !
Maybe we can start a petition to get him back here.. what do you think Jason ???
Mr. B, you’re not the mayor of Ephrata, are you?
Hmmm….but I did see the mayor of Akron at Fan Fest.
*tilts his head and strokes his chin pensively*
Cleveland talked about getting into coaching prior to playing last season. I think that’s the path for him to take at this point.
Very diplomatically put, Jason.
He probably wants to be out in Vegas .. his son is getting to the age of really needing Dad to be in town
That was a great story, djspleen. Russ was a great person and a positive on last year’s team.