Minor League Discussion & Boxes 5-20-10

[davell]

Darwin Barney is a guy that when we inevitably trade him, I hope we at least get something fairly useful for. I see him having a long major league career. He's definitely not flashy and may or may not ever be a true starter for anyone, but he at least has the ability to put together a few "Theriot" years as well. Just won't be for us obviously.

 

Could he not start putting together some Theriot years for the Cubs starting next year as a replacement for Theriot? If it saves a few million, why not?

 

 

Yeah, I guess so actually. It'd probably be smart for us to at least give him a shot at 2B next year, because conceivably it could save us 4-5 mill that we could spend somewhere else. That said, has he EVER played 2B anywhere? I'd figure he could probably make the transition, but who knows?

[jersey cubs fan]

Darwin Barney is a guy that when we inevitably trade him, I hope we at least get something fairly useful for. I see him having a long major league career. He's definitely not flashy and may or may not ever be a true starter for anyone, but he at least has the ability to put together a few "Theriot" years as well. Just won't be for us obviously.

 

Could he not start putting together some Theriot years for the Cubs starting next year as a replacement for Theriot? If it saves a few million, why not?

 

 

Yeah, I guess so actually. It'd probably be smart for us to at least give him a shot at 2B next year, because conceivably it could save us 4-5 mill that we could spend somewhere else. That said, has he EVER played 2B anywhere? I'd figure he could probably make the transition, but who knows?

 

No idea, but a more realistic option may be as the primary backup at 2B and SS, and heir to the 2B spot when Theriot leaves as a free agent. But I'd be happy to see him Ryan gone before 2011 starts.

[Addicted2TheShinDig]

Is Darwin Barney a plus defender at SS? I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs use Barney at SS and move Castro to 2B as I've seen that Hak Ju Lee will eventually move Castro to SS.

[davell]

I think Barney is a solid defender, but not good enough to move Castro off SS, by any means. Using him as a backup 2B/SS is probably the most prudent thing for us to do with him. And whether we lose Theriot's contract, or Fontenot and Baker's in the process, it at least could save us some money that could go elsewhere.

[Guest]

Barney is a better defender now but Castro has the potential to surpass him. There's no reason to move Castro to 2B now itself for Hak-Ju Lee when Lee is still in Peoria.

 

Barney played some 2B in ST and looked fine. I can't imagine him struggling too much there. If you do want to replace Theriot at 2B, I'd rather hope Ryan Flaherty is ready by 2012. Barney would be better suited as a utility guy.

[rawaction]

I have to think Barney will have a spot on the team next year as the primary backup middle IF.

[jersey cubs fan]

Vitters is off to a hell of a start in AA, .361/.361/.556

 

That didn't last very long.

.212/.235/.333 in his last 10 games, and down to .283/.298/.435 overall in AA. 6ks against 0 walks in 46 AB. He's making decent contact at least.