The guy does take a ton of walks and when he actually does manage to put the bat on the ball it tends to go pretty far. Sounds like a very poor mans Carlos Pena. However, would he really be any better of an option than LaHair, acknowledging that TT is probably the last guy to ask that question to? He's 3 years younger, has been good enough to get 1765 MLB PA's(Lahair: 219), plays great defense, and has a strong prospect background. You don't get him and say "welp, first base is fixed", but right now we have nothing resembling an option for 1B in the system. Our bench sets up well for a lefty bashing 1B/LF type, and Barton can fill that role if they also add a superior 1B option like Fielder or Morales. i like my analysis better, but the point about him being useful with or without a major first base addition is a good one. he's absolutely a guy you can just happily add to the roster and sort out his role later.