“I think you have to take notice of what Barton has done,” Mozeliak said. “That’s not to say a decision is made, but the impression he’s made is obviously a positive one.”
“When you have a (Rule 5) guy, if there’s a way that guy can fit on your ballclub, you try to figure a way if you see a legitimate major-league future,” La Russa said.
Quotes via Derrick Goold of the P-D.
I admit I was worried when the club brought in Juan Gonzalez that Barton would end up back with Cleveland, even Matthew Leach didn’t have him on his roster projections until recently. I guess I overestimated the inevitability of Gonzalez falling apart. I think even if Juan Gone was at full health, it’s painfully obvious Barton’s the more complete player. Lboros noted the other day that Barton hadn’t really hit anyone impressive, just guys who are AA types themselves. Since then, Barton has doubled off of Tom Glavine and tripled off of Johan Santana, his third of the spring. He’s hitting a ridiculous .349/.391/.674 line, including 2 homers.
I finally got to see him on TV today, and he is a pretty electrifying guy to watch. He definitely brings the speed element, something that has long been missing over the past few seasons. Watching him run the bases, his knee appears to be just fine. I just pray he stays healthy, because if he does then a lot of teams will regret letting him fall to us in the Rule 5. Now, we just need to find him a good nickname. The Red Rocket (scientist)? That is terrible, I know.
Filed under: Brian Barton
erik
azruavatar
fewgoodcards
roarke49
theredbaaron
How about Barton Think?
Flash Barton?
The Dredded Pirate Barton?
Socks?
i like flash barton…
I didn’t get to catch the game yesterday, but did any notice his supposed lack of an arm. Did he have to make any throws?
Flash…aahh ah. He’ll save everyone!
Aero-Barton…maybe
With the aerospace engineering degree and his aerodynamic like speed. It’s kinda like Air-Jordan.
I am thrilled that he appears to have made the team. Unfortunately Izturus is still considered a lock…the roster article on the team’s site says “he surely hasn’t been so shaky as to be cut” has he done anything positive? Hit two triples I guess…Iz2’s performance offensively and defensively this Spring has been abysmal. If he’s still on this team in June I might vomit!
Yeah, I’m not calling anyone a name with “Red Rocket” in it.
I know Izturis is bad–but boy was I happy when I saw him turn a DP and he actually threw the ball with some velocity over to first base. Haven’t had that from the SS position in a while.
He needs to be really good defensively and run a bit—this to make up for his total lack of hitting the baseball.
It’s a fairly common one, but I always thought “Professor” was a cool nick name.
It’d just be cool to read a game wrap that says “The Professor went three for four last night with a walk and two runs scored”.
While I don’t believe Barton has a PhD, he’s more highly educated than most pro’s, and so is fairly deserving of the moniker.
JBREW-
I watched the game Sunday. First time I have seen the birds live this year. Barton did not make any throws where you would see his arm. He had one ball hit to him that he had to run in a bit to catch, kind of a sinking liner. It was a nice play, but nothing we have not seen Duncan make. So Bartons defense was not really on display yesterday.
But I agree I would like to see Barton as a 4th outfielder on this team. He could platoon between LF and CF.
Perez was a really big guy. I did not know he was so thick, and Motte looked pretty good as well.
I didn’t realize Perez was that big of a guy either.
I brought up a few days ago about putting some pictures of guys in the DPR’s or Stews and i completely forgot about that Flicker section on the side with all of those pictures on it. You know the one that has pictures of of prospects. Completely forgot you started that a while back.
Degerman looks like hes in serious pain when he throws. He doesnt look comfortable at all.
arch- Barton actually still has one semester left in his undergrad degree.
CA-thanks for the correction. “Scholar” would be more appropriate, but is not nearly as catchy.
If he keeps hitting homers can we call him Brian “Back Back Back” Barton? Thank you Chris Berman
How about “Barttle Rocket” ?
High Flyin’ Brian
Fuel Fartin’ Barton
Moon Shot
The Redbird Rocket
Brian Orion
Calls for Mike and John when he hits an obvious HR
“We’ve got lift off”.
“Houston, you’ve got a problem” (against the Astros of course.)
Okay I’ll stop.
i like redbird rocket or Flash Barton
lol…Red Rocket. That’s gross.
How about a simple one…
BB. as in a beebee, not base on balls. he’s fast, so are beebees. and it’s his initials.
or you could go with Drag Coefficient, which is a nod to the aerospace engineering. and also is a nod to his speed, which creates a drag coefficient.