Since the evidence of his qualifications wasn't clear enough, apparently, Austin Barnes was compelled to stamp "OCTOBER STUD" atop his resume in the National League Division Series, just daring the Dodgers to take him out of the lineup.
Barnes had just completed his first full season as the team's backup catcher, with an impressive .289/.408/.486/.894 line, eight home runs and 38 RBI in 218 at bats. He'd stolen four bags in five tries and played fine defense behind the plate, finishing seventh in the game in pitch framing.
He'd hit .257/.372/.514/.886 during the season against left-handers, which is what he was supposed to do, and he'd hit .321/.444/.459/.903, which is what Yasmani Grandal was supposed to do.
He'd hit well in the first half and better in the second half. He'd hit .320 with runners on base, .328 with runners in scoring position, .333 with runners in scoring position and two out, and .375 with the bases loaded. About the only thing Austin Barnes didn't do in 2017, at least as far as I know, was bring the wiring up to code on a trip to Wrigley Field. He might get a chance at that next week.
But still the best he could muster was a share of the backstop position, and hope for equal playing time. Perhaps no longer.
Because maybe just maybe, finally, following his NLDS performance, Barnes has won the job outright. That he started Monday night versus the right-hand-throwing Zack Greinke, whom he'd never batted against, while Grandal (7-28 with two homers vs. Greinke) sat was telling. A step in the right direction, and a surprise to more than a few people in the local media.
Barnes did something to help his team in each of three NLDS game. He didn't get the start in Game 1, but came through with a leadoff pinch hit single off Andrew Chafin to spark a rally in the eighth inning Friday in Los Angeles. He contributed two hits, including a ringing double in the decisive four-run fifth inning outburst against Jimmie Shefry in Game 2 Saturday, and mashed a clutch home run off Zack Greinke in the sixth inning Monday night in Phoenix. He went 4-8 in the series.
I imagine Grandal plays with Clayton Kershaw on the mound Saturday, and that's fine. The ace should be made as comfortable as possible. Barnes almost assuredly gets the nod for Rich Hill in Game 2 and, after catching Yu Darvish's great outing in the NLDS, likely gets NLCS Game 3 as well. And then we'll just see. A splitting of duties, not resembling a straight platoon with Grandal because Barnes rips RHP, or just plain more work for the better player?
Because the current understudy, one Austin Barnes, is the better player.
Notes:
1. Luis Avilan. Eric Stephen reports that the left-handed reliever is throwing and may be added to the Dodgers roster for round two. While the TrueBlueLA writer doesn't mention Pedro Baez, it makes sense that the much-maligned right-hander, who was on the roster but did not pitch in the NLDS, would be the odd man out. Ross Stripling is a candidate to be dropped as well.
2. Breaking Blue. ICYMI my third podcast with ESPN Radio's Steve Mason Monday, here's the link. Note my telling Mase, pointedly, "you were right, Steve!" Houston Mitchell, of the Los Angeles Times, and as always producer extraordinaire Greg Bergman are in on it too.
3. Horseplay. About the you-stay-classy Arizona DBacks employing Phoenix's finest to guard their outfield pool from the mean old Dodgers. Like the Dodgers were gonna steal the pool or something.
The D-backs made sure the #Dodgers didn't jump into the pool at Chase Field. pic.twitter.com/HVAfL1KsCj
— Joshua Thornton (@JoshuaThornton_) October 10, 2017
Note the, uh, commentary, left by the equine on the warning track in the photo above. You know what Vin Scully would say about that, right? "Fertilizer!"
And remember, glove conquers all.
