AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Sign First Two Players For 2008

Published on February 5, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


LANCASTER, Pa.-A familiar face and a journeyman right-handed pitcher are the first two players to sign with the Lancaster Barnstormers for the 2008 season. The team signed Second baseman/outfielder Michael Woods and right-handed pitcher Derek Forbes, Barnstormers vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton announced today.

Woods, 27, rebounded from an injury-plagued first half to put together a strong finish in 2007. The former first-round draft pick for the Detroit Tigers hit .326 after the All-Star break as the Barnstormers regular second baseman to boost his overall mark to .294. He finished the year with 11 homers and stole 13 bases.

"Michael is one of the fastest players in the Atlantic League," Lupton said. "This year we're going to give him more of an opportunity to use that speed."

Forbes has not pitched since 2005, when he pitched for Kansas City (KS) of the Northern League and Delmarva, the Orioles Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. He saved a combined eight saves with a 1.94 ERA that season. He was signed originally by the Diamondbacks in 1999 and has previous Atlantic League experience with the Atlantic City Surf.

"I was impressed with Derek at the Atlantic League tryout in Phoenix," Lupton said. "He was throwing a 90 mile-per-hour fastball with several decent breaking pitches. We're signing him as a starter, but he's the type of pitcher who would make a good long or middle reliever. He's got a great attitude, and he wants to play."

The Barnstormers and new manager Von Hayes will open the 2008 season at home on Friday, April 25, 2008 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The only way to guarantee seats for Opening Weekend is by becoming a Barnstormers season ticket holder. For more information on the Barnstormers numerous flexible ticket plans, call (717) 509-HITS or visit www.LancasterBarnstormers.com.

Tickets to Opening Night will go on sale during the Barnstormers annual FanFest on Saturday, April 5.

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