Daric Barton: Is it time?

by NP15 on Apr 29, 2006 12:07 PM PDT

With the A's offense continuing to struggle, it may be time to consider letting the Daric Barton era begin. Barton's performance in Sacramento has been nothing short of remarkable for a 20-year old (turns 21 in August). Here is his line through 68 at bats:

AVG: .353
OBP: .488
SLG: .559
ISO: .206
BB: 18
K: 11
2B: 2
3B: 3
HR: 2

A few things stand out. Obviously first has to be the On-Base Percentage, standing at .488, as well as the BB/K ratio of 18:11. Barton has consistently demonstrated a command of the strike zone that would rate as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Second would be Barton's emerging power, which has been the largest knock on him thus far. Let's look at Barton's 2005 stats:

A+ Stockton (292 AB):

AVG/OBP/SLG: .318/.438/.469
ISO: .151

AA Midland (212 AB):

AVG/OBP/SLG: .314/.410/.491
ISO: .177

This is extremely positive news in Barton's development. It seems as though the theory that power is the last tool to develop is holding true with Barton. Furthermore, Barton sacrificed some OBP for increased power during his stint at Midland; this has not been the case in AAA, with Barton's OBP standing well over 100 points above his batting average.

Returning to the original question: Is it time for Daric Barton to be called up to Oakland? The criteria for bringing him up to the big club, in my mind, should be whether Barton currently represents a marked improvement over whoever's ABs he would be taking -- if he's only "a little better" right now, it's probably not worth it.

So how good would Barton be? At the beginning of the year, PECOTA 50th percentile prediction was .263/.343/.395 for an OPS of .738, certainly not enough to justify taking ABs from Dan Johnson or Jay Payton.

However, Barton's performance over his first 68 ABs in AAA has undoubtedly changed that outlook. Barton's numbers have shown no deterioration despite advancing another level; rather, Barton has seemingly taken several steps forward and raised his game another level. If Barton can maintain his current performance through, say, 100-125 ABs, I would forecast him being able to hit .290/.400/.460 THIS YEAR.

Inserting those types of numbers into the lineup could be the impetus that puts the A's over the top this season.

My question to you, AN: If Barton continues to tear the cover off the ball, where do you play him? Is his defense at 1st base good enough to not be a complete liability out there? Can Frank Thomas make a start a week at 1B?

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Comments

I say we give it a good couple months worth of at

bats at Sacramento, THEN see what his numbers look like. If they're anything close to where they are now, then sure, why not. But I'd hate for his slump to coincide with his promotion to the majors.

by walk off bunt on Apr 29, 2006 12:26 PM PDT reply actions

he needs to work on his D this year

He should be at least adequate before getting called up. Also, there's a big difference between pitching at the AAA level and the majors. I hope Daric does not get called up before September at the earliest.

by OaklandSi on Apr 29, 2006 12:28 PM PDT reply actions

D is a question

But how long do you let Johnson and Payton post sub-.600 OPS's? If they struggle through May and Barton continues to absolutely mash, it's really a no brainer.

by NP15 on Apr 29, 2006 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Johnson is no longer struggling

He's been just fine the past 3 games, thank you. Yes, a small sample size, but if he keeps it up, then Barton's more logical player to replace is Thomas-- who is also hitting better and thus just in the case of injury.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Apr 29, 2006 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

and Ellie

Got on track yesterday. Maybe he can turn the corner on his hitting blues too.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 29, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

And...

..bringing him in earlier for only marginal improvement (if any) just makes him arby eligible earlier.

Let him sit in the minors until we really need him - or he really needs better competition. I'd say he's a good half a season away from even getting a sniff - if not a full season away.

"That quote sucked." - McFood

by Ozzz on Apr 29, 2006 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Arbitration

I think we would like to wait until after the all-star break if at all possible to delay his arbitration clock from starting until next year, just like what we did with Harden.

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Apr 29, 2006 1:32 PM PDT reply actions

Arby clock

I thought it was June 1st. You may be right though.

by pinkfloyd @ Athletics Nation on Apr 29, 2006 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

it's after the all star break

that you bring someone up if you don't want to start his arby clock this year

by OaklandSi on Apr 29, 2006 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

for example Harden was brought up

the day after the all star break in 2003. His clock started in 2004.

by OaklandSi on Apr 30, 2006 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Arbitration

The Arbitration kicks in if you have 3 years of service time or are in the top 17% of 2 year players in terms of service. Usually this will be players with 2 years and 5 months of service time. Thus if Barton is brought up in June he probably won't qualify for Arbitration until the 2010 season.

by skwid on Apr 29, 2006 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Barton's Power

Keep in mind that the increase in Barton's Iso Power could be a result of him playing in the hitter friendly Coast League. No doubt that Barton is on the fast track to MLB though. Everytime I doubt BB for something like the Loiza signing, I think of the Mulder trade and smile. That one will pay dividends for many, many years...

For something completely different, check out a-ROD at http://www.deadspin.com/sports/baseball/random-youtube-finding-of-the-week-169722.php

"Macha, Howe...whatever." --salb918

by BruceBochte on Apr 29, 2006 1:52 PM PDT reply actions

LOL!!!

and his facial expressions while he did it! lol!

by signmebilly on Apr 29, 2006 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Dreaming of Jeter, no doubt!

"Macha, Howe...whatever." --salb918

by BruceBochte on Apr 29, 2006 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions

his power

Also note that a lot of that slugging percentage isn't coming from HRs: he has 3 triples and only 2 homers. His home run rate is about the same as it was last year.

I'd say his performance so far is encouraging, and is justifying some of the hype when we acquired him, but it's not so spectacular that he should be rushed to the majors. Let him keep developing in Sacramento, unless an injury opens up a clear need for his bat.

There is a limit to an intelligent person's enjoyment of the irony of being regarded as an imbecile by fools. And it is soon reached. -Wm. Gerhardie

by andeux on Apr 29, 2006 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Barton

Barton needs some time at AAA. A pretty similar prospect is Nick Markakis with the Orioles. He raked at AA last season. Now he's up with the big club and hitting below .200.

DJ is gonna get things turned around. He's at least an .800 OPS guy, he got off to a slow start at Sacramento last season (granted not nearly as bad) and ended up having a great season there and with the A's.

by pinkfloyd @ Athletics Nation on Apr 29, 2006 2:08 PM PDT reply actions

Its time

for daric barton!

by AlBowe on Apr 29, 2006 5:51 PM PDT reply actions

What Barton needs

Is some experience catching. I would let Barton and Brown switch positions every once in a while. It will make both of them so much more valuable to us.

The longer we delay Barton, the more of his prime years that we get. I say we make sure he's at least average at 1B, able to sub at catcher, and ready to smack loads of homers before we call him up.

by Bambi on Apr 29, 2006 6:11 PM PDT reply actions

Offense wise

He's probably ready. You could argue his power needs to develop more---but it might be that he's more of a line-drive hitter anyway.

That said, his defense still needs work. Its much better for that to happen in the more relaxed environment of Sacramento. Plus, the A's are doing fine at 1B for the moment. It would be nice to have his bat, but its just not worth the sacrifice.

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Apr 29, 2006 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

NO

No need to rush this kid. DJ will start hitting and the offense will come around. Let's be patient. We've seen our offense struggle in April the last couple yrs only to rebound later.

by sf drift king on Apr 29, 2006 7:53 PM PDT reply actions

No

You leave him down even if he continues to hit .350 through May? That's conceding away games, which doesn't make a lot of sense if we're in it to win it this year.

If Barton's shows he'd be a big difference maker if called up, you bring him up. Simple decision in my mind.

by NP15 on Apr 29, 2006 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions

He's still a hitter hitting AAA pitching.

If Barton was a pitcher, yeah.. of course you bring him up. Pitching phenoms have been known to make more of a difference than hitters.
And Barton's not one and there are very few, if any, 20 year old hitters in AAA who can be called up to be a 'difference maker' for a big league team. Barton hasn't even solidified a position yet. He's still trying to learn 1B.

by sf drift king on Apr 29, 2006 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

OK, but where??

He can only play 2 positions-- 1B and DH.

Unless Thomas is hurt or never hits, they're not benching him.

And Johnson is hitting a lot better lately-- 380 for the last week.

And Swisher can play 1B if the other outfielders are doing well and Thomas or DJ is out.

I love the guy, but I think he's down on the farm until the Hurt gets hurt.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Apr 30, 2006 4:34 AM PDT up reply actions

DH is not a position

by OaklandSi on Apr 30, 2006 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

u look at the injury situation

if Thomas gets a big hurt (good chance), or Johnson, you bring Barton up to play every day once you're pretty sure you've passed the arbitration clock problem...if not, let him play every day in Sacto and improve his defensive skills.

by vk on Apr 29, 2006 8:40 PM PDT reply actions

desperate times call for desperate measures

Call Barton up, have him step into Harden's spot in the rotation.

by rubin sierra on Apr 29, 2006 8:47 PM PDT reply actions

Too much pressure.

Give him Loaiza's spot.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Apr 30, 2006 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions

wait

I thought Daric was already in AAA.

ho ho. <weeps>

by Apricot on Apr 30, 2006 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Depends on DJ

I say give DJ time to fix things... if he's still in the crapper by mid- June... and Barton is still raking... I think you've got to swap their places. I'd say trade DJ -- but he's got virtually no value if he continues to suck. I've always liked his game though -- so I hope DJ comes around and Barton is forced to wait for a sept. callup or an injury.

by gorickeygo on Apr 29, 2006 9:19 PM PDT reply actions

Is it time for Daric Barton?

I don't know... what's he throw?

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Apr 30, 2006 12:53 AM PDT reply actions

Yes!

Clearly its time for Daric Barton! Why we're four weeks into a six month season, and this is EXACTLY how the A's will continue to play.

by limecat on Apr 30, 2006 2:14 AM PDT reply actions

Read:

A question I asked in the 4/26 ESPN SportsNation chat with Jim Callis of Baseball America:

dave (santa cruz, ca): How would you describe Daric Barton's situation? Banging on the ceiling to get out, but Billy Beane's standing on top of the trap door, trying to hold him in as long as possible?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Barton can hit, but factor in defense and power, is he really better than Dan Johnson (who's off to slow start)? The A's aren't being unreasonable here

by david on Apr 30, 2006 10:05 PM PDT reply actions

Johnson

ESPN says:

Last 7 Days: .368/.400/.789/1.189

he'll be okay.

Right not the Big Hurt is the one we might look at, but we'll definately give bhim time to break out of his slump. He's on pace to hit 35-40 HRs, so a little more OBP and he'll be fine too.

by MrIncognito on May 1, 2006 7:43 AM PDT reply actions

At least anohter 58ABs

The defensive comments are good points.

I am thinking he should get him up around 150 ABs and see how he is doing at that point. AAA should be another step up in pitching, and the pitchers and teams should start making adjustments to Barton over the next 100ABs or so. Assuming he is still raking at 150ABs, then it will be time to make some hard decisions.

by Donner on May 1, 2006 8:11 AM PDT reply actions