The Lancaster Barnstormers have finally gotten their man.
“Lancaster tried to sign me at the open tryout last year,” newly acquired catcher Adam Shorsher told me over the phone Sunday. “They wanted me to backup Lance (Burkhart), but I wanted more playing time.”
Shorsher should get that playing time now that he has been traded by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for Burkhart. The swap, which should make both teams happy, was announced last week.
Crabs skipper Butch Hobson has wanted Burkhart for several years. Hobson knew Burkhart’s brother, Morgan, from his days in the Boston Red Sox organization and was always interested in his younger sibling. Last week Hobson called Shorsher and told him he was going to make the trade, citing a need for a more offensive catcher as the reason.
“He thinks he might get a little more out of his bat than mine,” Shorsher said. “I don’t think so, but okay.”
The two backstops had nearly identical offensive statistics last season. Both also battled injuries. Shorsher suffered from abdominal problems, which limited him during the first half. Despite this, he still made his first A.L. All-Star team.
“If I get a solid amount of at-bats, I think I’ll be able to hit for some good power this season,” Shorsher, who had 13 home runs in ’08, said. “I definitely think I can be a good offensive catcher.”
A.L. coaches also love guys who are solid defensively — sometimes more than the offense they contribute. Shorsher is one of the best. Last season he threw out 33 percent (22-66) of all base runners attempting to steal against him. That was tops in the league.
“The biggest compliment from my teammates and pitchers is that they want to throw to me,” Shorsher said. “I’ve been getting lots of calls from guys wondering why I was traded, but they understand.”
Shorsher, who has minor league experience with the San Diego Padres, believes he’ll be the everyday catcher for the Barnstormers. That’s all he’s asking for. It doesn’t matter which team he suits up for, as long as he gets to play.
“I think it’s a good situation for both of us all around.
“I know the window is close to slammed, but if I can put together a solid year, who knows what could happen. I’m optimistic.”
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