08-07-2022, 12:14 PM
(08-07-2022, 11:43 AM)samhain Wrote: I know Barrero fell off of the planet after the injury and the recent influx of shortstop talent, but he had himself a night last night.
If dude figured something out or is improving as he recovers from the injury, that's a huge deal IMO. He has supposedly been working with Zinter on shortening his swing to gain more power, and it didn't take long to pay off. He looks like he's being pitched to a lot like Aquino. If he can lay off sliders that are a bit off the plate, perhaps he can return to being a significant part of the team's future plans. It's all health and discipline IMO.
Some seem to think he needed to stay in AAA to get his swing back, but honestly, the team has nothing to lose bringing him up right now. They've done a crap job of getting him MLB at bats, even when he's been healthy, ie at the end of 2021. His play in the field looks like that of a natural shortstop when compared to Farmer, who's a terrific ballplayer, but IMO should have been traded to be a super utility man on a contender. His place should be at 3B for the remainder of 2022.
Bottom line and overly positive spin here: if Barrero can prove himself at the MLB level over the rest of 2022 and in at least early 2023 before some of the prospects are ready, then this team is going to be farther along than we previously expected. He could become a legit bat at the top of the lineup, rather than another of the endless amount of position players that hit at the bottom of the order because they just don't have what it takes.
His success would also allow the organization to start moving other prospects to more permanent positions of future need sooner. Marte is probably not going to be a SS, more likely a OF or 3b. de la Cruz is a shortstop currently, but he's absolutely huge in stature for the position. I think he's destined for a corner OF spot. Arroyo is probably the next best natural SS in the minors, but he's not close to the majors. It may appear that the Reds didn't acquire much OF talent in the tear-down, but it's there. It just hasn't been determined yet. Barrero's development will have a major impact on that outcome, one way or the other.
Barrero is huge to the Reds future. It will be crippling blow if this injury ruins his career.
Reds tried him in the outfield last year. I don't care where he ends up but we need him to develop. His still has big star potential.
Last year combined in AA and AAA he hit .303/.380/.539 with 19 HR and 16 SB in just 330 at bats.
