Zawadzki Returns, Barnstormers Add Woodall
February 24, 2015 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release
Shortstop Lance Zawadzki, whose dazzling plays in the field were an integral part of the 2014 Lancaster Barnstormers championship season, will be returning for the title defense in 2015, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.
In addition, the Barnstormers have signed (hard throwing) right-hander Bryan Woodall, who will be coming to the Atlantic League for the first time.
The slick fielding Zawadzki anchored the Lancaster infield in 2014, spending 123 games at short and five at second base. At the plate, he swung at a .238 pace, clubbing 27 doubles and 11 home runs. He drove in 53 runs during the regular season and also stole 15 bases. The lefty batter provided the Barnstormers with a pair of extra-inning walk off wins in the second half on singles against Long Island on July 13 and against Southern Maryland on August 17.
He collected seven hits while playing errorless baseball in Lancaster's eight post-season contests en route to the league title.
Zawadzki, now 29, signed with the San Diego Padres as their fourth round selection in the 2007 draft. He reached the Major Leagues with the Padres, appearing in 20 games in 2010. He has also played in the Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis and Toronto minor league organizations.
"Lance did a stellar job for us at shortstop," said Hobson. "We are happy to have him back to solidify that position for us."
Woodall, 28, joins the Barnstormers after spending the previous seven seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. The Auburn University product appeared in 272 games with a 26-31 record, 21 saves and a 3.84 ERA. Over 401 innings, Woodall has whiffed 422 batters.
The Phenix City, AL native spent a portion of each of the last five seasons with Class AA Mobile and parts of 2012 and 2013 with Class AAA Reno.
He was 1-4 with a 3.76 ERA for Mobile last year, his first as a starter.
"Woodall's a 91-93 sinkerballer which should play well in our ballpark," said Hobson. "We can use him in the middle and possibly to start occasionally, something he did last year."
In another move, the Barnstormers have removed outfielder Michael Crouse, who was recently injured, from the roster.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eleventh season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.
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