Clint Barmes burns to be an everyday
player. But this season,
and perhaps for the rest
of his career, he’s going to have to
settle for being the best utilityman
he can be.
No shame in that.
On this talented Rockies team, it’s the perfect role for Barmes. So far this spring, he’s played second, third, shortstop and center field. He’s looked comfortable at every spot.
Like Jamey Carroll before him, Barmes is a terrific athlete who knows the game inside and out. Like Carroll, he’s a fan favorite because he’s a nice guy and plays hard.
Barmes will thrive in the utility role because he’ll put less pressure on himself. Barmes, whose politeness belies the fire in his gut, probably won’t like me writing that, but I believe it’s true. I think sometimes he’s simply too hard on himself and it affects his play.
I asked manager Clint Hurdle why he thinks Barmes would be such a good fit as a utility player.
“No. 1, a player needs to get to a point and time in his career when he understands that he’s best served filling that role,” Hurdle said. “Do they want to be an everyday player? Sure they do. But they understand that that’s their ticket at the time. I think Clint’s gotten to a place where he knows that’s where he can be most useful to this ballclub.”
When spring trade whispers had Barmes possibly being traded, he told me he would miss the Rockies and the team’s special camaraderie, but made it clear he’d jump at the chance to be a starting shortstop.
That doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, but in typical Barmes fashion, he’s ready for whatever comes his way.
“I have been working at it since the first day of spring, and I feel comfortable at each position,” Barmes said, although he added that he still feels much more comfortable at shortstop and third than he does across the diamond at second.
Barmes spent most of last season playing in Triple-A Colorado Springs. He played 27 big-league games and hit just .216. But he’s swinging the bat better this spring than he has for at least two years.
Trading Carroll to the Indians during the offseason didn’t make huge headlines, but it left a big hole in the Rockies’ roster.
One which Barmes looks like he can fill.
