SAN FRANCISCO — Clint Barmes’ defense can no longer keep him in the lineup. That was the resounding message delivered Monday before the Rockies’ most important series of the season against the Giants.
Eric Young Jr. replaced Barmes at second base and is likely to start all three games in San Francisco. The reason is twofold: The offense needs a spark, which Young has shown he can produce from the leadoff spot, and Barmes is in a chilling nosedive offensively, hitting .201 since June 18.
“I have yet to see (Young) take a bad at-bat,” manager Jim Tracy said. “I talked to Clint, and he understands fully what we are doing.”
Tracy has exercised patience with Barmes because of his Gold Glove-caliber defense. But with the offense struggling, the second baseman’s slump can’t be overlooked. That Barmes was 3-for-42 in his career against the Giants’ starters in this series, including 1-for-11 this season, convinced Tracy to make the move.
For Young, this represents a huge opportunity.
“Anyone who says they don’t want to be involved in big games is lying,” Young said. “I am going to work some counts and utilize my speed.”
Young, a work in progress at second, is 12-for-36 since his call-up and has two stolen bases.
High five.
Barmes’ demotion wasn’t the only lineup tweak. Tired of watching wasted opportunities in Sunday’s loss after Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki reached base eight times, Tracy shifted Seth Smith to the five hole, dropping Brad Hawpe to the sixth spot for only the fourth time this season.
“We need to do a better job from the fifth spot. We need more offense,” said Tracy, whose team has scored more than five runs just four times in the past 26 games.
Footnotes.
Pitcher Aaron Cook is building hope about returning this season. His recent bullpen sessions have been his best this year, and he could go a long way to starting Sept. 25 if he throws well in a simulated game today at AT&T Park. Jose Contreras and Jeff Francis will throw as well. . . . Huston Street will throw a bullpen session today. Tracy said Street would not close in his first few games back. “I want him to get his feet wet before putting him back in that role,” the manager said.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
