AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers begin spring training today

Published on April 18, 2006 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


The Lancaster Barnstormers begin spring training in Lakeland, FL today in preparation for the start of the 2006 Atlantic League season, which begins at Clipper Magazine Stadium on April 28.

Fourteen pitchers, three catchers, five infielders and four outfielders will report to the league's spring training facility at Tigertown in Lakeland. Left-handed pitcher Matt Scheuing, who went 6-6 for the Barnstormers last year, was unable to make the trip because of prior commitments, giving the club 15 pitchers vying for 10-11 spots on the roster when the season opens.

Lancaster has added former Atlantic League All-Star right-handers Denny Harriger, Scott Sobkowiak and Andy Zwirchitz since last season. The rights to Harriger (16-8 in 2005) were picked up in a special draft when the Nashua Pride was disbanded. Sobkowiak was obtained from Somerset for left-hander Chris Zallie, and the Barnstormers acquired Zwirchitz from Newark for right-hander Domingo Acosta.

Two local products, Eric Ackerman (Denver, Cocalico) and Matt Knox (Lebanon) have recently signed with the ballclub. The Barnstormers also have added several pitchers with experience in the higher levels of the minor leagues. Lefty Rob Henkel (Tigers) and right-handers Brian Whitaker (Padres), Mike Ziegler (A's), Cam Smith (Tigers, Devil Rays) all have spent significant time at Double-A or higher and look to make the Barnstormers roster this spring.

Besides Scheuing, other holdovers include Joe Dooley and Enemencio Pacheco, who tied for the club lead in wins in 2005, and Scott Patterson, who earned six saves in September after his insertion into the closer role.

Lance Burkhart, last season's starting catcher, returns to the club. He will be joined behind the plate by Manny Santana, a veteran minor league catcher with the Angels and Royals, who saw action in the Atlantic League in 2004, and Alex Derhak, who was picked up in a deal with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League late last week.

Last year's co-MVP Travis Hake will be joined in the infield by former Pittsburgh Pirate Alex Hernandez, Jose Ortiz, who was leading the league in RBI last year when lost for the season to a torn bicep tendon, Jason Bowers, a smooth fielding shortstop with three years of Triple-A experience, and returning utility man Steve Van Note.

Reggie Taylor, a former first round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies, who spent two full years in the Majors with Cincinnati, joins fan-favorite Quincy Foster, Jutt Hileman and Chris Van Rossum in the outfield.

Spring Roster:

Pitchers (15): Eric Ackerman, Joe Dooley, Denny Harriger, Steve Hassett, Rob Henkel, Matt Knox, Enemencio Pacheco, Scott Patterson, Matt Scheuing, Cam Smith, Scott Sobkowiak, Charlie Weatherby, Brian Whitaker, Mike Ziegler, Andy Zwirchitz.

Catchers (3): Lance Burkhart, Alex Derhak, Manny Santana.

Infielders (5): Jason Bowers, Travis Hake, Alex Hernandez, Jose Ortiz, Steve Van Note.

Outfielders (4): Quincy Foster, Jutt Hileman, Reggie Taylor, Chris Van Rossum.

Check out the Lancaster Stormers Statistics

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Atlantic League Stories from April 18, 2006


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