Such is the journey of Daric Barton, who is learning the craft, and the humility of Class A ball playing for the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League. Barton was said to possess one of the best left-handed bats in last year’s draft. In 2004, he's getting his shot at proving it.
Legendary comedians used to ask "Ah yes, but will it play in Peoria?" about touring Vaudeville acts of questionable taste. There is no doubt that Daric can play in Peoria. Godzilla should have his stats.
Barton his hitting .415 and has reached base 62 times in his first 28 games in the Midwest League. He has also smacked 10 balls over the fence and is slugging at a .756 clip.
While that kind of humiliation of pitchers might earn many the FastPass to the AA, the Cards have a potential major league all-star catcher on their hands, if he is nurtured right.
Those in the know tell us that Barton has the natural smarts to become a pretty good catcher... one day. Right now, the Cardinals are giving Daric a very well-rounded education in the art of catching. He's working on his defense, and how to wrangle pitchers and their assorted issues and egos, read the field, etc.
He makes a sneak preview of coming attractions on the FAB50 for 2004. If he stays healthy, and plays with this level of intensity and continues to take direction from the coaches and management well, we expect to be writing many more column inches about this young man over the next two years.
Depending on the timing and the occupant of the plate seat for the major league club, we would estimate that Barton has a shot at the bigs sometime in 2007 or after.
If the Cardinals deal this kid, it better be for more than some magic beans. Barton has the potential to be a future franchise player.
Named to MLN FAB50 2005
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