2057.2: Barling Debuts

[Rubaboo]

Roughly three weeks after being selected in the first round of the BBA draft, 31st overall, Charles Barling got the call every player in the minor leagues hopes to get; the call to join the big league club.

The team drafted Barling with an idea that he could help fill a spot they would need filled as a productive outfield bat. The Aztecs have been flirting with the cap for a number of seasons and with no real major league quality depth, the club knew it would need to find another option. Barling was available when it was Mexico City's turn on the clock with their R1 comp pick and they pulled the trigger.

After some internal debate, Aztec brass decided to throw Barling right into the AAA fire. His college stats showed him to be a very mature hitter who would likely, after some adjustment, be able to carry the momentum from his senior season at Amoco into the start of his minor league career. Turns out, no adjustment period was necessary. Barling showed up in Cabo ready to roll, as his .348/.434/.530 stat line over 17 games indicated. The team watched his progress closely and, after an injury to Fernando Moreno and Johnathan O'Quinn's continued struggles, the team decided to see if Barling was up to the challenge.

The short answer is that he definitely is. It's only 5 games worth of stats but Barling's major league debut has him hitting .400/.435/.900 thus far, chipping in 3 HRs and 9 RBI in 20 ABs which is key offensive production for a Mexico City team that hasn't really hit its offensive stride. If Barling can be a productive piece of the lineup for the season it provides an immense amount of value to a team that is so veteran laden on offense and will need to be creative to plug holes through the trade market during the season. It's no exaggeration to say that Barling remaining productive could shift the entire plan surrounding offensive transactions for the season.

"We're obviously pleased with what Charles has brought to the table to this point," Aztec GM Fred Holmes said during a recent interview, "We liked his game in college and really thought he'd be able to provide a ton of value to our organization, both at the minor and major league levels. If he continues to do what he's been doing during his college career, there's no reason to think he can't be a factor in the BBA over the long term."

While the small sample offense has been impressive, it is important to temper some expectations over all. The team did play against San Antonio and Brooklyn during Barling's first week, and while they are both major leage clubs, they're not exactly Charm City and Nashville (no offense, Tim and Ben). Barling's glove also definitely leaves something to be desired, as his defensive metrics in college, both at 1B and in the outfield, were average at the very best. Still, the Aztecs have to hope that Barling can remain offensively viable while continuing to work on his glove game. Perhaps the team will be able to find some ABs in a DH rotation to minimize the potential negative impact of Barling's defense.

[RonCo]

I like the idea. I wonder how many 2057 draft picks will make it up this year.

[Rubaboo]

I like the idea. I wonder how many 2057 draft picks will make it up this year.

It would be interesting to see year by year. I don't remember right off hand but Barling might be only the second player I've drafted and debuted the same year. I generally like to build from the bottom of my system so I take younger guys but Barling has definitely been working out well so far.

[JimSlade]

Very interesting! I tend to let guys marinate a long time. With my organization and some of the older picks I made in this draft, I wonder if I can pull off something along the same lines, maybe 1.5 years in the minors for a prospect rather than the typical long runway I try to give kids.

[Dington]

Love to see rookie debut the year they are drafted!