Darwin Barney Still Gold
I had my concerns with Darwin Barney’s stamina heading into the season.
After hitting well over .300 during the season’s first half in 2011, Barney slumped terribly in late August through the finish line hitting .208 over the final 30 games.
It seemed the rigors of a full major league season and advanced scouting took its toll on the young rookie second baseman in his 143 games played.
After a slow start this year, Barney has bounced back to being a productive hitter, especially lately.
Below are a few photos I snapped at Wrigley Field during Wednesday’s game, including the Cubs celebration of Darwin Barney’s thrilling walk-off home run!
You can see more of my Cubs pictures by following me (BullpenBrian) on Instagram & Twitter @bullpenbrian
Three wins in a row. How Sweep it is…
If there’s such a thing as an MVP for a (27-40) team, Darwin Barney is the Cubs’ man.
Comcast Sportsnet analyst Todd Hollandsworth agrees mentioning Barney as the Cubs’ best player through the first half of the season.
Of course, it’s only fitting the second baseman hit the 15-day DL Wednesday with a sprained left knee. But with a quick recovery expected, Barney could be back in the Cubs lineup by next week and again chasing the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
Barney’s contributions include:
A .317 average with RISP.
A .385 average leading off an inning.
A .313 average with none on base.
A .296 average over his last 58 games…
A meeting between Mike Quade and Jim Hendry today will likely determine who will start at second base for the Cubs: Jeff Baker, Blake DeWitt, Darwin Barney or a combination of two of the three. Here’s a snapshot of the three candidates.
Has started five of the last six games.
Is batting .391 in his last nine games.
Made his Major League debut August 12.
First career hit came August 16 vs. Kevin Correia.
His 142 hits led all of Triple-A at the time of his call-up.
Played on Oregon State’s back-to-back College World Series championships in 2006-07.
Name that Cub!
