Getting along

Von Hayes and Tom Herr met at Clipper Magazine Stadium Monday to begin the process of constructing the 2009 roster. While many, including myself, have wondered aloud how two accomplished skippers will handle being on the same staff, neither of those men think there’s any reason for concern.

Hayes pointed out that former managers become coaches at the big-league level all the time, so it’s no big deal. He also said it will be easier to bring Herr into the fold now that two years have passed since Herr was last on the Barnstormers’ bench.

“It’s a completely new set of players,” Hayes said. “The players are going to look at us as bench coach and manager, not ex-manager and new manager.

“This year it works a hell of a lot better than if I had come in here in 2007, the year after he won it. That would have been impossible. With this time frame, I didn’t really see any problems.”

Herr said it was his job to make the new arrangement work.

“I think most of that responsibility lies with me,” he said. “My role is different than what I’ve been used to in the past. The adjustment that’s going to have to be made will be on my part.”

Hayes and Herr seem to be on the same wavelength when it comes to players. They both value athleticism, particularly as it pertains to defense. They want versatility, so they have a lineup that can win at home and on the road. They both stress fundamentals. Most importantly, they seem to be entering this venture as partners, rather than a manager having authority over a coach.

The first topic of conversation about the upcoming season centered on the bullpen. Hayes said he talked to Ryan Cullen about possibly returning and the lefthander was open to the idea if he didn’t receive an offer from an affiliated team. The Barnstormers want to make sure they avoid their 2008 fate, when a weak bullpen caused a terrible start.