Justin Barnes signs

[colbyjack]

I am happy to announce that Justin Barnes has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He signed on Saturday, officially as a 3B, and will be leaving for Arizona either tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

Keep 'em coming!

[cressj]

this is great news. Barnes was thought by many to be a 3rd-5th round value if he reentered the draft.

[igor67]

Rumaging through my head that's clouded now with so many prospect names to remember, wasn't Barnes drafted more as a pitcher? Granted in this organization I can see why they'd go for a third base prospect if they can find one.

[colbyjack]

Yeah, he was drafted last year as a RHP as he showed a pretty good feel for a hard-breaking curveball to go along with a low-90s fastball. I think his power potential as a 3B, or even SS where some felt he could stay for a while, was too good to pass up. Plus, as I believe cress also reported, Barnes really prefers the everyday duties as a positional player. Of course, it really doesn't matter too much what HE wants to do. If the Brewers felt his future was brighter on the mound, they probably would have signed him as a RHP.

 

On top of that, most baseball people that I have seen/spoken to think it's better to try 2-way players as a positional prospect first, and then if all else fails down the road move them back to the mound.