Question for Indiansfan - Josh Barfield

I think Honda3speed is correct when saying that Barfield is struggling to adapt to the AL, as well as trying to do too much, etc.

Barfield has done pretty well defensively (outside of not turning one DP a few days ago when he made a bad throw to 2nd base, which led to Peralta not being able to throw the guy out at 1st base, and that later came back to bite us, but conversely, he's made many solid to spectacular plays, especially throws, as well,) but offensively, Barfield looks a bit lost.  He seems a bit too aggressive at times (for instance, chased a ball four and popped it up for an out, instead of taking the walk the other day, against TB, I think.)  Also, he seems to have gotten a bit pull-happy of late, something the Indians are trying to correct (and I remember in the season opener against the White Sox he drilled a ball to the gap in right-center field, so Barfield has shown an ability to go the other way, but I think he's pressing and trying to do too much, leading to him pulling off the ball and chasing pitches he shouldn't be chasing.)

Overall, I don't think it's totally unexpected for Barfield to struggle coming over to the AL, though admittedly, you'd hope he'd be able to hit at least .200 or a little higher, even if he was struggling.  Combined with Marte, and to a lesser extent, Blake and Peralta, that's why the Indians' offense has been so inconsistent - the bottom part of the order has done virtually nothing of late.  In last night's 12-inning against the Twins, the bottom part of the order was 0-14 with 6 Ks (I think) until Shin-Soo Choo (who was just called up on Monday) singled up the middle off Joe Nathan for a 2-run single.  

I think Barfield will figure it out in time and hopefully be more productive in the second half of the season, but it wouldn't be surprising if his overall numbers fall off a bit from his rookie season.  I still think it will be a solid to good trade for the Indians in the future, but as for right now, Barfield is going through that adjustment period.  I'm hopeful he'll be fine with more time and experience in the AL.

Hopefully, this is helpful.  :-)

Take care and have a great day!

I don't know if you're being serious or not?  

Barfield was NL Rookie of the Year and hit .280 overall, while hitting in a very difficult homepark.

It's not unusual for a player to struggle switching leagues; many players do.  That's why it's too early to worry about Barfield at this point.

Just my 2 cents.  :-)

Take care and have a great day!

I don't know what I was thinking; I must have heard the announcer wrong or something - they talking about his .280 and all and something about his ability to hit in his rookie year - maybe they said something like "he should have been NL Rookie of the Year or should have been in the running for NL Rookie of the Year."  I'm not sure where I got that from - thanks for the correction.

As for "changing leagues," many think it's having an effect; I don't think it totally explains it, but I think it could have some influence - after all, he hasn't seen many of these pitchers before, and we all know that AL and NL pitchers do attack hitters in different ways, so I think that "switching leagues" could partly explain his struggles.  

If Barfield doesn't hit significantly better in the second half of the year after he's seen the AL pitchers a few times, I'll be more concerned about his hitting than I am right now.  If he keeps playing defense at an above-average level, that will be good enough for the time being.  

Just my 2 cents.  :-)

Take care and have a great day!