Clint Barmes Should Be Extended
by David Coleman on Oct 6, 2011 2:47 PM CDT
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PrintThere is a reason Miguel Tejada got a job as a shortstop last winter, despite multiple seasons of evidence that his skills had eroded to the point that he was a liability there. The reason? Shortstop is a damned hard position to fill on any roster.
The Astros lucked into a pretty good player there in Clint Barmes. He's going to be a free agent and may just have snuck into Type B status before he goes. What that means is that he's going to be in demand on the market for those who lose out on Jose Reyes or can't afford Jimmy Rollins. MLB Trade Rumors released a story yesterday on what Barmes' stock may be and came up with a two-year, $8 million deal.
If that's what gets it done, Barmes would push the Astros budget up to $55 million for next season, assuming they resign all the arbitration eligibles and don't trade either big-ticket pitcher. What's a little unsettling is that Ed Wade's comment in the above story makes it sound like the Astros might not be able to afford that $4 million bump.
Still, Barmes' biggest asset is his defense, which provides a stability to a young infield. Having someone who plays a solid shortstop is a boon to both Jimmy Paredes and Jose Altuve. He may make some bad errors from time to time, but his smoothness is where he excels. Until Jonathan Villar is ready or the Astros feel like Brandon Wikoff could man the position, Barmes needs to stick around.
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I second this.
If the price is reasonable, the Astros should definitely try to retain him for at least a couple of years.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Oct 6, 2011 3:22 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I cant see the price being anything team friendly
But if we paid Brand freaking Lyon 5 mill per year, we should at least be able to match that for Barmes
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 6, 2011 4:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Its Gonna Happen
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I’m thinking maybe 2 years/$16 million. Sounds fair to me.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Oct 6, 2011 4:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Thats kind of high imo. im thinking about 2yrs. 6-8 million
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
That’s what I said. $16 million over 2 years, which would come out to $8 million per year.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Oct 6, 2011 5:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
no im talking 6-8million for two years not per year
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I wont play the guessing game on what he'll sign for but
Whatever it is, I won’t complain its too high.
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 6, 2011 6:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Im hoping that there isnt a bidding war for him epsecially being 31/32 yrs old
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
His current contract with the Astros is $4 million. So, I would assume that an increase in the annual salary would be required.
by clack on Oct 6, 2011 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh, I see what you meant. Whoops.
Seems like he might be able to get more than that elsewhere, I think.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Oct 6, 2011 6:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Somebody might what you posted but Im not sold on that happening esp.
at his age.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
If I agreed with you any more...I would be you!
The Astros NEED a leader on defense. They need somebody that is a lock to make plays. They need someone to help out the young guys and help out our pitching staff. They also need someone that’s not a complete liability on offense.
The bright side about this season is, its the last year of Lee and Lyon. No more L guys Ed…Hall should have been obvious…2 L’s
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 6, 2011 3:24 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
LOL on the L's
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
AngeL Sanchez,
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Good catch Busta! Do your homework! lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I just hope LyLes doesn't follow suit...
TRADE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 6, 2011 6:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Its Not Gonna Happen. lol At least I pray it won't.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Jonathon ViLLar has 2 L's. Should we be concerned?
But maybe SS’s are the exception to the rule. If CLint has 1 L, maybe ViLLar will be twice as good!
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Agree. Resign him. 2 yrs/ $12m, 3 yrs/$15m, something like that. Villar won’t be ready until 2013, so this isn’t just a one year problem.
by Snake Diggity on Oct 6, 2011 6:25 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
A thousand times YES!
Barmes needs to be back next seasonn but its going to be pretty hard to do it. He’s the third best shortstop in free agency this year and teams will be intrested.
Shortstops are a hot commodity. Barmes is really good.
If Barmes wants to go to a pennant race and a contending team offers him more money than the Astros do, we may lose Clint Barmes. What happens if that happens?
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
If he is a class B
and we do not at least offer him Arb I am going to be PISSED.
I am just going to call that move, pulling a Wigginton.
If he's a type B
He’ll be offered arb.
by Patrick Harrel on Oct 6, 2011 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree. No harm in that one. The added draft pick in the supplemental round would be nice even in the weaker draft, but I would still rather have Barmes back.
Interested to see how Barmes and his team plays it. If Wade has it in his budget, assuming he even has a budget, then if Barmes really did enjoy his time in Houston then maybe he could sign quickly. On the other hand maybe they look for money and wait until both Reyes and Rollins are off the market so that they set the rate and also so that Barmes is the best remaining shortstop.
by conroestro on Oct 6, 2011 11:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t believe that Paredes can play shortstop at a major league level.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Do you think Paredes would be an adequate backup? Better than Sanchez? Downs?
by Snake Diggity on Oct 7, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
At this point, he isn’t a good 3d baseman, mostly due to footwork and the like, though he is better than CJ. That makes me skeptical that he would be a good back up at shortstop. I like keeping him at 3d base because he may be able to develop into a good defender at 3d. I recall someone saying that one of the reasons that Paredes was moved off shortstop is that he had difficulty with his footwork around the second base bag, which particularly hurts on the double play.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If the Astros don’t re-sign Barmes, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Astros sign someone like Orlando Cabrera or Cesar Izturis.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
An additional thought…if the Astros seriously believe that Paredes should play shortstop, they probably would need to play him at AA or AAA at that position next year, in order to get some experience and learning.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose though? Villar will probably be getting his shot in 2013, and having Paredes there too just seems like a waste. I say either leave Paredes at 3B and let him learn the position over next season or sign a veteran stopgap to play 3B and split time with Paredes and Altuve at 2B.
Regarding SS, if Barmes leaves, I could definitely see them signing someone like Izturis or maybe Ronny Cedeno or Yuniesky Betancourt if their options are declined. Honestly though, after looking at the free agent list, Barmes is probably the best all-around SS that will be in our price range.
Currently loving: Jordan Schafer, Trayvon Robinson, Mark Appel, Nick Williams, and the Green Chile Double at Whataburger
I defer to your opinion. I don’t know anything about his d, other than what I’ve seen of him in Houston. He looks like a very good and well above average athlete, so that makes me think that his raw athleticism combined with the fact that his bat ultimately may not play as an everyday guy means he should be trained as a utility man.
by Snake Diggity on Oct 7, 2011 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I too thought he (Paredes) "looked" good
From what I’ve seen from him, he looked pretty good defensively. He made a couple of mistakes, but mostly with his throws. Personally, I think he could handle SS better than anyone else we have on the staff, excluding Barmes of course.
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 7, 2011 4:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Off Topic
How about Jose Valverde closing out the Tigers’ finale against the Yankees? Valverde is now 51 of 51 in saves this year.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
That was impressive. Valverde has been a great closer. I thought that Jeter hit the go ahead homerun in the eight.
by conroestro on Oct 7, 2011 9:28 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Valverde makes me happy
I always enjoyed his routine. Ticked off the foes, sure, but I loved seeing that fire on my team. Happy for him.
by CRPerry13 on Oct 7, 2011 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree they need to re-sign Barmes
But not because of the contribution he could have on the 2012/2013 Astros. Sign him for TRADE BAIT.
There’s always a market for defensive shortstops and he has just enough stick to make him that much more appealing.
Extend him. Play him. Trade him.
We gotta get that farm system back under control so we don’t have to watch 10 more years of what we saw in 2011.
Agreed.
The perfect scenario for the Astros is that Barmes is extended and plays well until either Wikoff or Villar is ready to take over for him. I doubt Barmes would ever bring in anything above a grade C or C+ prospect, but that would be better than a lot of our prospects now.
Currently loving: Jordan Schafer, Trayvon Robinson, Mark Appel, Nick Williams, and the Green Chile Double at Whataburger
I think that would be a best case scenario (Hopefully)
Sign Barmes to play until one of the younger guys is ready to step up an fill his spot and then ship him out for a prospect or two. I wouldn’t sign him just for trade bait but that is a big plus. I would sign him because he is a very good SS and would really help out our pitchers. If we sign Izturas, I’ll shoot myself!
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 7, 2011 1:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
secretly hoping the Astros sign Izturis now
Currently loving: Jordan Schafer, Trayvon Robinson, Mark Appel, Nick Williams, and the Green Chile Double at Whataburger
lol
Ok but when I’m constanly complaining on here how much my leg hurts with a bullet in it, you’ll be the one who suffers my friend.
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 7, 2011 2:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Astros might have to go back to being the Colt 45s.
by clack on Oct 7, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
They will for a couple games starting out next year
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Perfect scenario is
Astros re-sign Barmes and he is League MVP and World Series MVP
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 7, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions
off topic question
I’m listening to the Brewers – Diamondbacks game 5 inMilwaukee (no video).
The crowd is loud.
Is the roof closed? or did Basball tell the Brewers they must keep the roof open?
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 7, 2011 6:59 PM CDT reply actions
that’s only in the World Series for you know those sky line shots.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Oct 7, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Milwaukee has a skyline?
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 7, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Brewers and Cards for the NL title...
NL Central doesn’t seem so week anymore eh?
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 7, 2011 10:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Cardinals screwed up my post-season picks
I was trucking along with my Texas, Detroit and Milwaukee picks; then – pow — out goes Philadelphia, my pick to win it all.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 7, 2011 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, I agree Philly looked more poised to go to the finals but
If you really picked Detroit over New York my hat is off to you sir! I didn’t think they had enough fire power, shows you what I know. Oh, and I was really pulling for the Dbacks…
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 8, 2011 3:27 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Me and Astros County picked Phillies and David and Josh picked the Rays on the odcast so apparently our podcast is the kiss of death…and I love it!
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Oct 8, 2011 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Might need a few shots for that one.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Oct 8, 2011 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
What do you mean "if I really picked Detroit"?
Of course I did
Yankees a little long in the tooth and key players had too many off field distractions to put up a fight against a cohesive team that seemed to be at least equal on talent.To their credit, Yankees pushed Detroit pretty hard. Likewise I was surprised Arizona did as well against Milwaukee as they did..
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Oct 8, 2011 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I was hoping Arizona went all the way
Simply because I don’t have any real feelings for Ariz. I’m envious of Philly, hateful of the Cards, and spiteful of the Brewers. Texas is my home state team, so I guess they’re ok but I’m so used to being against them for the boot I look at them more as competition. So that means I’m pulling for the Tiggers…and yes I meant to spell it that way. Now I wanna watch For Love of the Game.
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 8, 2011 3:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Boo @ the Rangers!
They cannot be the first Texas team to win a World Series game!
/I know they might do it, and Houston is nowhere near a WS… just let me hold out hope, okay? :P
The Rangers did win 1 world series game last year
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Clint
should wear Brewers blue. Melvin isn’t easy to read though.
"Prince Fielder is too fat even for the Oakland A’s" - Billy Beane
Jose Reyes might be a target for the Brewers
Yuniesky Betancourt is set to become a FA.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
I think they have an option on Yuni. I know Braun talked about Reyes, but I doubt it.
"Prince Fielder is too fat even for the Oakland A’s" - Billy Beane
As he hits a HR and then a double in the first game of the NLCS, Betancourt’s stock is rising with the Brewers. Broadcasters say that Yuni is the new favorite player of Brewers’ fans. This may cause ol’ Pete some mixed feelings about Yuni’s hitting in the NLCS. While I’m sure he likes the effect on the NLCS, it could create a situation where the Brewers feel like they have to keep Yuni.
by clack on Oct 9, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think Barmes would fit well with the Brewers
But who are they going to stick at 1st. Barmes is still a bit of a wild card with hitting. You know there’s not going to be a high average but there may or may not be a lot of pop. If they lose Prince, can they afford to take any more of a hit to their lineup?
by Its Gonna Happen on Oct 10, 2011 7:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Barmes would be a huge upgrade over Betancourt
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Oct 11, 2011 7:07 AM CDT up reply actions
We need to do a sign and Trade at the deadline
Only reason we resign Barmes should be to see if we can get some prospects back for him. I like Barmes but there is no reason to pay him this coming year unless he will take a modest contract to stay in Houston which is doubtful.
isn’t that a basketball strategy?
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Oct 11, 2011 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes but I dont see why it couldnt benefit the Astros.
You keep him for the first half of the season and hopefully he can rise his stock so that we can get something for him at the deadline. Also will give Villar, Wikoff or whomever a little more time to develop.
barmes altuve
offer barmes 3mil for 2 yrs…3mil per yr…take it or leave it…. altuve is not major league ready by a long shot… paredes is ready…next yr we still are finding out who is ready…. re shepherd..cf…i wondered why braves traded him…they did not improve themselves a lot by having bourn instead of shepherd!… druggie….they knew it…problem child…what is happening with that situation… jason c is sort of key to season…he needs to be healthy..and able to hit ml pitching…we have other prospects for infield…altuve should go to AAA ….learn to hit…pitching looks good…young talented staff… wouldnt mind haveing a big dog as a starter..how about oswalt…phillies are going to dump him…mike
Barmes’ 2011 contract with the Astros was for $4 million. Why would you expect him to accept a pay cut?
by clack on Oct 11, 2011 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Barmes
Agree that Astros should try to re-sign him for a reasonable deal. Plus, he has the added benefit of being able to play multiple positions if need be.
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