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Zack Parker 1-2, 3.25 ERA |
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Jake Dittler 2-4, 5.74 ERA |
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RECORD: 2-2 (35-39)
The Barnstormers will look back at their series against Newark as a missed opportunity. They won the first two games and held a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Game 3 before blowing the save. The series ended in a split and dropped the home team back to .500. A fast start has become a so-so start.
Although a split on the road isn’t the worst thing in the world, the Barnstormers must keep an eye on York, which is surging at 4-0. The Revs had the good fortune of playing Bridgeport at home to start the second half and took advantage of it with four consecutive one-run victories.
The last thing the Barnstormers want is to fall into another early hole. Since Von Hayes took over as manager in 2008, slow starts through the first 10 games of a half have been a problem:
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2008 first half: 3-7
2008 second half: 4-6
2009 first half: 4-6
The biggest issue facing the team right now is the bullpen. The Barnstormers clearly miss Ryan Cullen. Antonio Alfonseca has blown three of his five save chances, including the game against Newark on Sunday. If the Barnstormers get into a save situation tonight, P Nick Abel may get the call. He has allowed one run in 11 1/3 innings. But even if he is able to finish off games, the team will have to find a consistent setup man.
The Barnstormers conclude their 11-game road trip, their longest since 2005, with three games at Long Island. Because of the rain makeup last week, the pitching matchup for tonight is a rematch from Thursday. Zack Parker won that duel against Jake Dittler and the Barnstormers are hoping he can repeat his performance.
JUNGE GONE: P Eric Junge, who has been on the inactive list since July 6, has left the team to play in Korea. The Atlantic League pitcher of the month has joined the Hanhwa Eagles. The Barnstormers’ five-man rotation now includes Parker, Jason Scobie, Trey Hodges, Eric Ackerman and Ben Fritz.
The ‘Stormers aren’t as Junge as they used to be.
It was a pleasure to watch you pitch. Good luck in Korea.
Is it time to release Alfonseca and find another closer? I think so.
The “powers that be” should settle things with DePriest and get him back to Lancaster.
Good Luck Eric !
Before I begin, I think Ackerman is a very good picher. My question is this. Now that he is 3-7, is it time to move him back to the bullpen and find another starter. In the past, Eric has been very good out of the bullpen. Thoughts anyone?
I’d go for that. I wouldn’t mind seeing Peeples start a game, too, to see what happens. He’s pretty Jekyll and Hyde in the bullpen, perhaps he’d be more consistent if he got the kind of time on the mound a starter usually gets. But what do I know, I’m a moron. There, saved you all the trouble.
The “powers that be” should settle things with DePriest and get him back to Lancaster.
Here we go again
Jason,
Here is my frustration with this Team.
We get NO insight from the Team as to why they are making the moves that they are making. It’s as if they have no desire to communicate with the Fans unless it’s a cheer leading session.
Everything they do needs to be a “National Security” secret. As long as the Fans dole out $$ to attend the games, that’s all they want to hear from us. At least from the standpoint of the operations of the Team.
Don’t we deserve to understand why they are handling the players the way they are or do they think we are just to stupid to understand?
Hayes has gotten a free ride up this point except from one place…..this blog.
When do we get some kind of explaination? Right now I’m disgusted bordering on apathetic
I’m not sure I understand your frustration. Do you want a detailed explanation provided by the team after each transaction? If so, I can’t think of any club that operates that way. If you have a specific question, ask it and I’ll try to provide an answer.
Jason, I have ONE simple question. Why is Mulhern still on this team. Am I missing something in his ability. Thanks.
Mulhern has a reasonably good minor-league track record. He’s second on the team in home runs with seven and second in RBIs with 40. His performance has improved of late. He’s hitting .295 in July and his strikeouts have dropped off recently. I think he became the negative focus of this blog when he started slowly and people haven’t noticed that he’s playing better.
Jason, He may be hitting better but his fielding leaves much to be desired. His RBI total is due to his spot in the lineup, same with Aaron. With Lloyd and Michael in front of him, both with a higher than team average for OBP it would be hard not to have a high RBI rate. I am sorry if I find it hard to believe any coach can watch him duck from fly balls in the outfield, I for cringe every time a ball is hit his way.
Maureen,
I’m just answering Jack’s question. Fans have their favorite players and they have their observations and perceptions of every player. My objective is not to change anyone’s opinion. I know that’s not likely to happen, which is why I don’t often foray into the comments area. I only chime in when someone asks me a direct question as Jack and Booby did.
Thanks Jason, I do not mean to sound rude, I just get frustrated watching the same play and expecting a better outcome. Ryan cannot handle a ball heading towards the wall or scoreboard. If I notice that I expect other teams notice that and more balls will be sent his way. I have noticed Aaron’s play get a bit better in his position and appreciate his growth in play.
Jason can you say anything about the Sabby trade? I just does not make any sense.
I’ll address the Sabatella trade. It was due to the need to have Morris, Haran and Biernbaum in the lineup largely on an everyday basis (although Haran is getting a needed rest tonight after catching the entire Newark series).
Pretty much the only way to do this is to have Morris play first and Biernbaum DH.
Sabby will get more playing time in Shreveport than I think he would have here in the coming weeks.
Sabby went to a team where their first baseman and outfield are hitting at a good clip and he’s probably hating baseball today.
And who said Morris is a first baseman? He is very awkward around the bag and he will be a defensive liability similar to Mulhern when it’s all said and done.
I will even go out on a limb and say that at least 10 “balls” make their way around first base that Sabby would have handled and Morris doesn’t. It will cost 2-3 games and can this team really afford this with the managing that’s going on right now?
I’m thinking again that my money would be more wisely spent at the Revs games. At least they ACT like they care about the team and their fans.
Please cut Housel and his .202 BA now. He has no role on the team with the addtition of Suarez.
Jason and Dave,
Thank you both for some information about the trade. It’s much better than sitting here with no explanation at all.
We’ll see if Morris can handle 1st. We’ll see if Mulhern can produce at an acceptable level the 2nd half. I agree with Maureen. Mulherns production has been a result of where he was hitting in the order up until the last 3 weeks. When they left town, he was hitting .202. There is NO way that anyone is going to spin that into something positive.
I still can’t believe we didn’t sign Rose while he was out there. He is putting up good numbers for York.
I have been as frustrated as anyone, to the point I stopped reading the blog for about a month. Although I believe management sorely overrated the talent they had at the beginning of the season I think we might now have some pieces in place to make a second half run. One thing is for sure; if we have a bad second half it will be clear that our management /player procurement people must be changed for next season and I would hope that it is done soon after the end of the season to send a signal to the fans that there is reason for optimism in 2010.
Another misplayed ball hit right at the centerfielder. Other teams make that play, the Barnstormers don’t.
The third inning and into the bullpen in the first of a three game series. That is a tough way to start a 3-game set.
Jason and Dave,
As fans we are not looking for a detailed explanation on every roster move, but we didnt understand at all where the Sabatella expulsion, I mean, trade came from. He was a very vital part of this team, I thought. He added some speed, some hitting and a better defensive player in the field than Mulhern. (Who I think if he cant be the designated hitter, shouldnt be on the team. He cant field well.) No one gave any hint of why it happened.
I, for one, appreciated a little insight like the amount that Dave gave us. I dont agree with it, but at least I understand what happened.
I think it is time for everyone to take a step away from the keyboard and take a deep breath. The past two days on here have been pretty negative regarding the team and players. Let’s try something radical (play along with me), how about everyone takes one post and posts something positive about the team and the players? Post something you like about players, post something you like about the team.
I can see that everyone is passionate about the team, but if you take a step back and think of this…you have a job (I hope). There is a blog about your place of employment and everyday, people visit it. On that blog, they complain about your company, your bosses, and you, in particular. Stop and honestly think about this – how would you feel?
I know someone is going to make the whole “They are professionals and we pay our money…it is our right…” argument and that is fine. I, for one, would just like to hear what folks like about this team instead of always hearing what they don’t like. I will start…
We have had some pretty decent players come through Lancaster this year (Perry, Cullen, Junge, etc) who have been picked up by affiliated or other clubs. The players who are remaining on the team have a good shot at coming together to make a run at the second half title.
What I most like about the team, though, is the willingness of most of the players to take a moment to talk to and sign an autograph for a fan – young or old. My son loves to get autographs from the players (he only has about 20 from Ross). Many times, they will take a moment to have a word with him. Even if they only sign and move on, it is a moment that means a lot to him. It helps to cultivate a love for this great game of baseball.
A positive on Ryan Mulhern – Ryan attended the Barnstormers baseball camp and was great with the kids. The time he took out of his schedule to come help teach baseball to a group of 9-10 year olds was appreciated.
I am thankful that baseball is in Lancaster. It has provided countless nights of entertainment for my family.
GO STORMERS!
Great idea Stormin!
I too am thankful that we have such a great staduim, team and players in Lancaster! It seems like forever since the team was in town. I am looking forward to having a great weekend at The Clip! Looking forward to seeing all my baseball and blogging buddies too!
GO BARNSTORMERS!
I love going to games, I love the staff at the park, I love watching good baseball!
Oh and the team is over .500 today!!
I also love going to the games. The great Staff and the great Fans I sit with. If not for these folks, I doubt I would be going right now.
WOW, look at this “Love Fest”. OK, here’s mine.
I too, love sitting with my girls. Chatting about everything from baseball to recipes to what our kids are doing. Plus my kids are employed at the Clipp. that is a nice bonus too.
The other day someone made a wise crack about brownies.. In your honor, I’m going to bake a big batch for the team this weekend!!!
Urgh, Is it really only Wednesday???
Hurry home boys!!
Nobody in their right mind would ever diss your brownies! I suprised you don’t have one as your avatar! Pack up and send some to Matt.
LOL, look for the new avatar soon… thanks for the idea !
Mmmmmm….say positive things.
Mulhern has raised his average around 10 points this road trip to .230 and he has cut hit strikeouts way down. Should end up with only 138 if he doesn’t go into the tank.
Aaron Herr is playing better- a lot better. I have even seen people sitting in box seats behind 1b since Herr hasn’t thrown one into the stands for a couple of weeks.
The team gave Sabatella a chance for more playing time in one of the armpits of the south.
Von Hayes is still employed.
Tom Herr is still employed.
Keith Lupton is still employed.
It’s a beautiful day for a ball game.
JJackson to HOF.
Awww. Lets all give MMantle a big thumbs up.. Clap, clap, clap!