Clint Barmes, the team’s one-time starting shortstop, had a short stay in the big leagues, optioned back to Triple-A Colorado Springs today in favor of Omar Quintanilla.
Despite a new stance with higher-held hands that showed promise in spring training, Barmes couldn’t shake the slump that dogged him last season. Barmes went 2-for-20 in 10 games, including four starts. He also struck out six times.
With Troy Tulowitzki gaining traction offensively – he had a four-hit game last night, raising his average to .244 – it seems to make more sense to have a defensive-minded utility player. While Barmes played well last season at shortstop, Quintanilla is considered to have the best glove in the organization and has experience at both shortstop and second base, where Jamey Carroll is currently struggling offensively.
Quintanilla, acquired from the A’s two years ago in exchange for pitcher Joe Kennedy, was hitting .255 with six RBIs for the Triple-A Sky Sox.
Lawrence attracts interest
Pitcher Brian Lawrence became a free agent Monday when the Rockies were unable to find a trade partner. Lawrence has attracted varying degrees of interest from three teams: The Orioles, Tigers and Padres.
Lawrence told The Denver Post recently that he would be willing to go to Triple-A to prove he belongs in a big-league rotation. In his opinion, he’s fully recovered from shoulder surgery that forced him to miss all of last season.
Staff writer Troy Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com.
