Who is Barrett Barnes? That was the question the Pirates fan were asking themselves last night as their team selected Barnes with the 45th pick in the draft. The pick was a supplemental pick that was awarded to the Pirates since Ryan Doumit signed with the Twins. Barnes put up impressive numbers in his junior year at Texas Tech. He ended the season with a stat line of .325/.419/.597 this year with nine home runs, 49 RBI and 19 steals. But as for who is Barrett Barnes, I’ll let him answer that.
“I’m a center fielder from Houston, Texas that plays for Texas Tech,” Barnes said. “I play the game right and hard with respect. I’m grinding everyday and am going to show loyalty to the Pirates organization.”
Scouts are raving over Barnes speed, bat speed and potential for power that could make him the best hitting college prospect in the draft, but Barnes said it’s not a physical tool that is his biggest asset.
“It would have to be my make up and savvy for the game,” Barnes explained. “I just know the game inside and out from all nine positions. I’ve learned how to handle the failures and success. That’s my biggest asset.”
Barnes didn’t get drafted out of high school and decided to go to Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech, he was named Big-12 Freshman of the Year and named to the first or second team All-Conference in each of his three seasons with the Red Raiders. Barnes said that it’s not that he wasn’t talented coming out of high school, he just needed more time to develop.
“It’s all hard work, dedication and blessings from god,” Barnes said of going at 45. “I wasn’t a bad player out of high school, but going to college helped me mature and play against tougher competition regularly. I just kept playing and playing baseball and I think that is the main thing that matured my skills.”
Barnes said that it was “pretty sweet” when he got the call and wasn’t expecting it because in his pre-draft workouts, he never worked out for the Pirates. As a matter of fact, he never talked to them until the day of the draft. He said he isn’t really familiar with any team outside of the Astros since that’s where he grew up, but he’s eager to learn more about his future ball club.
“I talked to a few guys today that gave me information on the affiliates and where they are located,” Barnes said. “I’m trying to get acclimated and then sign the contract. It’s all a learning process right now.”
Despite being a center fielder, Barnes said that he’d be more than willing to change his position and would love to share a field with Andrew McCutchen.
“I don’t mind at all,” Barnes said. “At this point in the game, when a team is paying you tons and tons of money to hit and catch a ball, you can’t complain. It would be an honor to play to the left or right of McCutchen.”
With Barnes only being a junior, there is a realistic chance that he could go back to Texas Tech. Barnes said that he hasn’t given it any thought yet.
“I haven’t really decided or thought about it yet,” Barnes said. “They told me in a few weeks, I’d go to a big league game, the World Series room, meet the owner and general manager, sign the contract and take my physical. It’s all up in the air and we haven’t begun negotiations with the draft still going on. Once we do, we’ll see where they stand. Whatever is in mine and the Pirates best interest I’ll do. If it’s not the right time, I’ll be back in Lubbock, Texas.”
After talking with Barnes, he did seem very eager to start his career as a Pittsburgh Pirate and is very thankful for the opportunity. Despite the new CBA limiting the Pirates to $6.56 million to spend on their first 11 picks, Barnes said he isn’t going to wait around for Mark Appel or any other of the draft picks to sign first.
“I’m not going to wait for anyone else,” Barnes said. “If we can get close to the figure I’m looking at or even at the figure, that’ll be perfect. If we can get it this Friday, man I’ll fly in on Saturday and get it done.”
When I brought up comparisons to Barnes that have been made, he was quick to have none of that. Eric Byrnes, Nick Swisher and even Kirby Puckett have been compared to Barnes, but he said there really isn’t a player he models himself after.
“Honestly, I don’t compare myself to anyone at all,” Barnes explained. “I don’t model myself off anyone and I don’t have a favorite player or team. I love the game and respect every single player in every level of the game. I love the way certain people play, but above all, I respect everyone who plays pro ball.”
This kid has a good head on head on his shoulders and is ready to take the next step of his career. But not a favorite team Barrett?
“The Pirates are my favorite team now (laughs),” Barnes said ecstatically. “They gave me the opportunity to play professional baseball and they made my dream come true.”
In a few years, Pirates fans may have themselves a new favorite player as well.
Photo credits: Brad Tollefson
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