AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Acquire Kirkland in Three-Way Deal

Published on March 13, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


The Lancaster Barnstormers have obtained infielder Kody Kirkland, who has spent the past two seasons with Southern Maryland, in a three-way deal involving the Blue Crabs and the York Revolution, it was announced today by manager Butch Hobson.

Southern Maryland initially dealt Kirkland to York in exchange for the rights to infielder Eric Eymann. York, in turn, sent Kirkland to Lancaster for left-handed pitcher Yunior Novoa.

Kirkland, 28, played in the Pittsburgh, Detroit and Atlanta farm systems before arriving in Southern Maryland in 2010. The Idaho native pounded 22 home runs for Class AA Erie in 2006 and added another 14 for the Sea Wolves the following year. He reached Class AAA Gwinnett with the Braves in 2009.

The right-handed hitter batted .303 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI for the Blue Crabs in 2010 before being purchased by the Houston Astros. Kirkland went to Class AA Corpus Christi and hit .286 with a pair of homers in 19 games.

Last year, he returned to Waldorf but played in only 46 games in an injury-marred season, batting .245 with six homers and 20 RBI.

He has predominantly played third base in his career, but Kirkland has also played all three other infield positions and has spent parts of more than thirty games in the outfield.

Novoa was 5-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 33 games for the Barnstormers last season. He was 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in four outings against the Revolution. One of his starts versus York resulted in five scoreless innings in Lancaster's 4-3 first half clinching win on July 9.

Eymann batted .283 with three homers and 43 RBI for the Revolution in 2011.

"Kirkland is a tremendous athlete. Third base is his best position - he can cover ground, and he has a strong arm, but he is versatile, too. He will help solidify the left side of the infield," said Hobson.

The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their eighth 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.

Check out the Lancaster Stormers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Atlantic League Stories from March 13, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central