Since today is an off day, I thought I'd post a little "spotlight" on one of the new guys this year. Michael Barrett.


Well, I think everyone would agree that we weren't the happiest bunch
when Jim Hendry acquired Barrett...because we thought we deserved better,
expecially after the season he had last year (I know, injuries..) But
I've always known he could hit, and that's just what he's doing. When
was the last time we've had a catcher batting above .250, even in the
early part of the season? I couldn't even tell you.

As for his defense, yes it is a little shaky but he's getting better
and better every day. Working with pitchers and whatnot during spring
training is an entirely different scenario than working during the
season in games that count.

I also think that he's going to get better at throwing out
baserunners. He had a rough go of it to start out, but he looked
pretty good yesterday. It's not all on him, tho..it's real hard to
throw out guys when your pitchers are slow to the plate(like Maddux)
or don't keep a good eye on the runners. As for his speed, he is
definitely faster than the average catcher. I knew he wasn't all that
slow, but the first time I actually saw him run, it surprised me a
little bit.

I think he has done a teriffic job thus far, and I think that he's
only going to get better.