Clint Barmes
| AB | 3805 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .245 |
| OBP | .294 |
| SLG | .379 |
| HR | 89 |
- Full name Clint Harold Barmes
- Born 03/06/1979 in Vincennes, IN
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Indiana State
- Debut 09/05/2003
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Drafted in the 10th round (287th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2000.
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SS Clint Barmes, an outfielder in high school, has made himself into a solid prospect as a shortstop. He continues to develop a feel for the position but is an excellent athlete with good raw skills
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Barmes will have the opportunity to claim Colorado's everyday shortstop job this spring. Viewed as a utilityman entering 2004, he had the best year of his career and capped it by hitting his first big league homer off Carl Pavano in August. Barmes doesn't make an outstanding first impression because he doesn't have an overwhelming tool, but his solid all-around game grows on you. His competitiveness is obvious at the plate. He makes contact and uses the whole field in the mold of a traditional No. 2 hitter. He'll need to draw more walks to bat near the top of the order, however. Barmes is strong enough that he can drive balls on the outer half if he stays on them. He has good speed and even better instincts on the bases. He's not flashy in the field, but his hands and footwork allow him to make troutine plays consistently. A center fielder at Indiana State, he possesses a strong arm, positions himself well and takes charge of situations. If he hits as expected, Barmes will give the Rockies more offense than they've ever gotten from a shortstop. -
Two years ago, the thought was that Barmes, a center fielder at Indiana State, could be a quality utility infielder. A year ago, there was talk he could become an everyday second baseman. Now, the Rockies are convinced he could be a solid shortstop, along the lines of Walt Weiss, a special adviser for the team. Barmes is an acquired taste. He's best appreciated when you watch how hard he works and how consistent he plays. Barmes can hit for a decent average with gap power. He has to stay on the ball and drive it into right-center to be successful at the plate. He does have a lot of movement in his batting stance, and would benefit if he simplified it and got into hitting position quicker. When his timing is good he can handle breaking balls, but he gets in trouble when he rushes himself. More selectivity also would help. Barmes has good speed and great instincts on the bases. At shortstop, he has enough arm and positions himself well enough to offset his limited range. Barmes will get a chance to compete for Colorado's shortstop job in the spring and could make the team as a utilityman. If he isn't assured ample playing time, he'll head back to Triple-A to get experience. -
A center fielder at Indiana State, Barmes was converted to a middle infielder and was considered a potential utility player until last season. The Rockies sent several of their top prospects to Carolina, and were pleasantly surprised when Barmes emerged alongside them. He made the Southern League all-star team and shows Rich Aurilia potential. The only negative came when he was hit by a pitch and broke his left hand, ending his season in early August. Barmes more than doubled his previous career home run total and may even have enough bat to play third base. His biggest weakness at the plate is sliders on the outer half of the plate. Barmes has plus speed to go with the agility and range to play shortstop. He also has a solid average arm. Barmes will make the jump to Triple-A this year, and the thin air at Colorado Springs could really enhance his power.
Minor League Top Prospects
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A year ago, scouts and managers viewed Barmes as a utilityman at best. In 2004, he boosted his average 52 points to .328 and more than doubled his homer production from seven to 16, becoming the best prospect on a Sky Sox club that also included third baseman Garrett Atkins and catcher J.D. Closser. Barmes doesn't have an outstanding tool, but he's solid across the board and gets the most out of what he has. "He's made incredible progress," Iowa manager Mike Quade said. "I'll be the first to admit I fringed him last year, and now he's a solid-average prospect at shortstop." Barmes drew comparisons to Mark Loretta and Twins prospect Jason Bartlett. He should be able to hit for a decent average in the majors while reaching double figures in homers and steals. He doesn't walk much, though he makes very good contact. While he isn't an acrobat at shortstop, Barmes has excellent hands and makes the routine plays. He looks like he can stay there, a key for him to play every day in the big leagues. He might not have enough bat to be a regular at another position.
