TCB March Madness 2013: Brandon Barnes vs Jiovanni Mier

TCB's Astros Fan Favorite March Madness Tournament is underway. From now until the end of Spring Training 64 players will spend the next several weeks facing off in a head to head public vote to determine who advances to the next round and who will eventually be crowned the communities favorite Astros player. For more details click here for the introductory post.

The rules are simple determine which player you want to advance to the next by voting for that player. Any excellent arguments made for an advancing player in the comments below may be used in the players description for the next round. Vote subjectively, objectively or by using your trusty magic eight ball. Votes will last exactly 24 hours.

In this match-up:

12 - Brandon Barnes

The human highlight reel, made his debut with the Astros last year and while his bat left something to be desired his defense was outstanding as he provided several highlight reel catches for those watching. While he struggled in his short stint int he majors last year he did post an .894 OPS In 446 plate apperances between AA and AAA last year. He's a bit of unknown for this team going forward but if anything he's proven that determination and hard work pay off.

Vs

53 - Jiovanni Mier

Jiovanni Mier has bounced around in the low minors since the Astros took him in the first round in 2009. He's flashed good on-base skills and power from the shortstop position, but he's primarily a defense-first shortstop with a questionable hit tool. 2013 should be his first chance to taste the high minors after repeating Lancaster in 2012 - and his success (or lack thereof) in Corpus Christi this year could make or break his prospect status, which makes him an exciting player to keep an eye on. -Anthony