Barton back in the big
leagues
Aug/17/08 10:15 PM Filed in:
Brian Barton
CINCINNATI -- Three weeks in
Triple-A is not typically something a young player
considers a blessing. For Brian Barton, however,
it practically was a godsend.
Before Barton sustained a wrist injury in July, his
playing time with the Cardinals had dwindled to almost
nil. From May 9 until he was placed on the disabled
list on July 6, Barton got 70 at-bats in the span of 53
games.
So when it came time for his Minor League
rehabilitation assignment, the Cardinals made sure
Barton took every single day of it. That, of course,
also helped ease the roster crunch that comes with
trying to carry a Rule 5 Draftee, which is not an
insignificant element.
But Barton got 73 at-bats in 20 days, more than he'd
received in his last eight weeks with the big club. And
he hit well. Though his numbers tailed off at the end,
he still batted .260 with a .349 on-base percentage and
a .466 slugging percentage at Triple-A Memphis.
"The last couple games got me, but it felt good to get
some at-bats and get a groove back," Barton said.
"Hopefully I can carry it to the rest of the season."
The Cards' outfield situation looks different for
Barton than before he left, as Joe Mather has emerged
as an additional right-handed option. But Barton still
figures in the plans, and he'll try to help the
Redbirds' playoff push over the final 35 games.
(mlb.com)