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Padres News: Clint Barmes Ready to Be a Leader in San Diego

By Tim Richer

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In an off-season of flashy moves, the first move made by rookie GM A.J. Preller was a move that fell under the radar. On December 3rd, infielder Clint Barmes, signed a one-year deal with the Friars. He’s not Matt Kemp or Justin Upton, but he could play a major role in the team’s championship aspirations this year. 

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Barmes had an idea that big things could be coming to San Diego. Speaking to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, he said “My agent said they were focusing on making some changes and bringing guys in. It’s definitely going to be exciting.” Exciting it was. Following the signing of Barmes, Preller and the front office added Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks.

Barmes might not be as big of a name, but he does know how to win, playing for playoff teams four times in his 12-year career. He believes the winning culture that he’s seen before can be fostered in San Diego.

"“You get a group of guys that buy in to that, you’ve got a good chance to put something together. We have a very good chance of getting where we want to go, and getting to where San Diego wants us to go, which is back into the playoffs and competing for a championship.”"

(h/t, Thomas Harding, MLB.com)

While his role on the team is up in the air, Barmes is okay with being a mentor, a role he showed he was comfortable in last year sitting behind Neil Walker and Jordy Mercer. He’ll compete for time at shortstop with Alexi Amarista, but he’s more excited to “[pass] on everything I know, trying to keep him positive”. That’s the kind of attitude needed to build a championship team. As Barmes mentioned earlier, it’s about buying in, and if there’s 25 guys all aiming for one common goal, it makes the team that much stronger.

We’ll see where Barmes’ true role on the team will be once April rolls around, but in the clubhouse, it’s clear he’ll be a leader. He’s not going to wow us fans with his bat, but he’s going to use all 12 years of his experience in the major leagues to try to make the team the best it can be.

Next: Padres Add Catcher Nieves

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