Down on the Farm: Daric Barton

Daric Barton, first baseman:

When the Moabs selected Daric Barton in the 2004 draft, following its World Championship, the selection was received with jealousy. Many believed that the Moabs had selected one of the best hitting prospects around. At the time, his power had not developed, but the catcher turned first baseman had a tremendous eye. Commissioner Scott Hatfield exclaimed, "He has the best strike zone judgement in the minors." Oh and Barton was only 19 at the time.

After two years of lacking power, Barton really struggled last seasons. Early in the campaign, Barton hurt he arm and wrist. The injury lingered the entire season and it effected his numbers. In Triple AAA-Syracuse, Barton batted just .257 with 11 homers, subpar numbers by any means. This year, however, Barton is healthy.

He is batting .329 with six homers. Although six homers are not Howard-like from a first baseman, he does have 26 doubles. In addition to the 26 doubles, Barton has solidified himself as a tremendous run producer with 48 runs batted in. The organization is proud to have Barton in Syracuse, but Bobby Cox is utterly impressed with his strike zone judgement. This season, Barton has compiled 42 walks. Although a high number, he has struck out only 32 times. Cox proposes, "This kid can win a batting title. Any time he puts the ball in play, knows how to take a walk, and approaches the plate waiting for the pitcher to come to him, the kid can hit. I can't wait to be forced to find a place to play him."

Bob Uecker
The Aftermath

MAILBAG: Do the Moabs Have a Chance?

Sam Jackson, 45: Do the Moabs have a chance in the competitive East?
for John Rocker

Absolutely, if they get some luck on their side. As of now, the injuries the Moabs have encountered have explained the struggle: Hank Blalock infected rib? Joel Zumaya's torn finger tendon? Mike Gonzalez's Tommy John surgery? MVP Ryan Howard's injured forearm? To say the least, the Moab's have had their share of injuries, especially the freak ones.

Having said that the cellar dwellers are just 9 games back approaching the All-Star Break. Can they come back, absolutely, it is rumored that GM Eric J. Caskey has been racking up the cell phone minutes discussing numerous trades to strengthen the staff and bullpen. Its rumored a big name is on his way to Brooklyn.

Peach Snapple, 80: Are their any deals in the works? And if so, could prospects be moved?
for Ned Yost

Obviously the team cannot comment on any deals that are being discussed or the status of any organization's players except those wearing Brooklyn's pinstripes. Again, Caskey has been on his cell the entire week. Two trades are rumored to have been completed and another two are in the works.

Any time a team is trying to improve its standing, the organization must face the reality of dealing young talent for veteran experience. I think the no deal rule only applies to Chris Volstad, Colin Balester, Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, and Cameron Maybin. Having said that, if Caskey can get a big time prospect in return for one of these talents, I think he would have to pull the trigger. This is where Caskey makes his money!

The Aftermath

Featured Spotlight

Week 8: Utilityman Casey Blake

Deemed "super-sub" by the league's office, Casey Blake has made a huge splash in his Brooklyn debut. This season, Blake has played third and right field. He has provided right handed pop and consistency to a team lacking it. The Moabs seem to be playing much better of late and the work of Blake cannot be overlooked. He has three homers and a current twelve game hitting streak. He lit up the Eliminators in the Moab's two game home sweep and continued to get on base at the bottom of the order while the team has won five of six.

GM Eric J. Caskey has continued to show patience to a struggling lineup. In an interview with colleague John Rocker two weeks ago, Caskey insisted, "See, eventually the banner will be hanging in Brooklyn again! Beware, my lineup is having an excellent first half led by my leadoff stud's .358 avg and 20 game hit streak. Rotation has been solid with Buehrle twirling a no-no. K-ROD, not F-Rod, is leading the world in saves with the hot Angels. Just do not count me out."

Caskey has praised his manager's ability to utilize Blake and Blake's ability to accept his role. On a team studded with stars, Blake might be the most overlooked player on any team.

Bob Uecker
The Aftermath

Down on the Farm: Jeff Niemann

Jeff Niemann, starter:

If you haven't noticed, Triple-A Syracuse has been playing quite well in the International Barb Association. And since you probably haven't noticed due to the first article nearly three months into the season, starter Jeff Niemann has been playing tall. The 6'9" hurler struck out 85 batters in only 88.2 innings. One batter in the league, who shall remain nameless, says Jeff's fastball is on top of you immediately. He's so tall that his arm nearly reaches the plate.

Opponents are batting .235 and he is one of the best in the IBA in groundout ratio. At 1.07, he would compliment Moab starters Chien Meng Wang and Fausto Carmona as one of baseball's best. His stats result in a strong 3.65 era.

As for being called up, GM Eric J. Caskey has been quoted saying, "He's a fine pitcher and WILL be a great addition to the lineup when he's ready." Most scouts speculate that he is ready for the big league challenge. However, due to the depth of the Moab rotation, Niemann will likely fill a bullpen spot. With Mike Gonzalez, Joel Zumaya, Tony Sipp, Duaner Sanchez, JB Cox and Ryan Wagner all injured for lengthy period, the pen is thin on experience and bodies. Niemann's fastball would fill in for the loss of Zumaya's power. Syracuse will miss the former Rice ace and Brooklyn will welcome his arrival with open arms.

Bob Uecker
The Aftermath

Renteria's Heroics

Needing a sweep of a twin bill, Brooklyn came through in the clutch. Specifically, Edgar Renteria lit up the Eliminator's staff. The last addition to the Moabs roster came through. Renteria recorded two singles and a doubling, driving in Casey Blake, twice, and Chase Utley. Renteria gave ace Roy Oswalt all the support he needed in dueling Elim's lefty Jeremy Sowers. Oswalt completed his five hit shutout with six strikeouts of the last seven Elim's.

Renteria has been a nice addition to the Moab's roster. As noted, he was the last player signed to the Moabs in the off-season. Utley praised his double play mate, " He is a nice compliment in the lineup, but also in the field. Renty simply is a winner."

Renteria has endured a poor season in Visalia under GM JC Rodriguez. He was acquired from Yuma, a team that lost in the first round to Brooklyn in 20o4 playoffs. To say he was disgruntled in Visalia, who wouldn't be, is an understatement. Being released was seen more of a blessing: " I do not have to play on a bad team. Although we are struggling here, we have a talented team and are looking toward the All-Star break and the second half."

Bob Uecker
The Aftermath

MAILBAG: Are changes on the horizon?

Question from Dave Jenkins,12:
Is Bobby Cox's job on the line with the poor record?

Answer from Bob Uecker:
Well, let's just say, if a coach is not winning, then why is he here. Having said that, I do not believe there is a coach in baseball that has more job security than Bobby. [GM Eric] Caskey has said that he idolizes Cox and his history. No manager in the modern era has created such chemistry and chance to win with or without talent. The Moabs are a team with an abundance of talent that is finding unlucky decisions.

Question from George W. Bush 43:
Are the Moabs up for sale?

Answer from John Rocker:
Yes, there have been rumors that the Moabs are up for sale. Some speculate that Halliburton, Shell, Exxon Mobil, and a few others are interested. Caskey commented, "We could be the richest team if the oil companies are interested." Caskey stopped joking and said it might be best if the family stepped aside from payments and contributed its services. I have never liked the way those Caskey's ran the organization. Those nerds! ExxonMobil seem to be the most involved in the Brooklyn community as local signs tout, "We are the Mother Of All Fans!!!"

June 20, 2007
The Aftermath

Featured Spotlight

Week 7: Second Baseman Chase Utley


Chase Utley has been playing tremendously. The vital part of any offense, the lefty second bagger has supplied power and high on-base average. He leads the NL in hits by pitch. The man just knows how to get on-base: "Absolutely, I mean I just need to get on base for the monster bats behind me. So if that means taking one for the team, I guess I have no choice."

As the league has witnessed, the known offensive weapon is also a solid, hardworking defender. When he takes ground balls before games, you know that by game time his jersey will be dirty. Skipper Bobby Cox has mentioned, "its players like Chase and his work ethic that keep me at the game."

Looking to the second half of the season, the lefty is batting .320 with 54 RBIs. Obviously the best offensive second baseman in the game today, he has 54 RBIs, adding tremendous balance to the Moab lineup. The UCLA grad looks to be in contention for league MVP as BARB rumors begin to swirl as the All-Star game approaches.



Bob Uecker
The Aftermath

Brooklyn has joined Barbblogspot

GM Eric J. Caskey has decided to move the Moabs into the internet era. He has joined Barb's page

http://barbbaseball.blogspot.com/

Players, coaches, GM, and the press will add relevant, and some irrelevant articles to the new official blog.