Clint Barmes is a player that I have always liked and he will bring two things to the table that Ronny Cedeno will not-a solid and consistent glove and the occasional power that Cedeno does not.
However,two years guaranteed is a small concern and the fact that he is a pull hitter to left in a park that devours righthanded pull hitters.Pat Lackey found this chart that proves my point-Barmes hit all of his homers to left/left center last season,which is the deepest part of PNC Park, and his homers did not travel very far.
The problem there? Looks like a lot of fly ball to left field for Mr.Barmes.
The other issue to the two year deal compared to a one year deal is that the Pirates could suddenly have a logjam at shortstop with Chase D'Arnaud and Jordy Mercer blocked by a 33/34 (Barmes turns 33 in March) year old player that might not be that terrific,but is being paid well.
We all know the Pirates policy on these guys that are being paid-they get about three times the opportunity of the average player to turn things around and Barmes is clearly a Clint Hurdle favorite,which will likely buy him even more time through his struggles.
Barmes is reported to be a great clubhouse guy and that should be helpful,but I am unsure on 2 years 10.5 million helpful!
All and all,I think Barmes will prove to be a small improvement over Cedeno just by being consistent with the glove,but the Pirates paid more than I would have for sure.
So thus far,the Pirates have essentially traded Ryan Doumit and Ronny Cedeno for Rod Barajas and Clint Barmes.
On the overall-I grade that a wash...
The Pirates signed a few minor league free agents with the most notable name being former Nationals pitcher Shairon Martis.
Nice year for Martis in Harrisburg last season,although he should have after spending 2009 and 2010 mostly in AAA ball.
I do not think Martis is a slam dunk,but has a chance to see Pittsburgh sometime in 2012.
Photo Credits
Barmes-Bob Levey-Getty Images
Martis-Chris Knight-Patriot News
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