2011 Stats (AA Akron/ AAA Columbus): 8-4, 3.45, 1.22 WHIP, .230 OBA, 3.3 BB/9, 9.7 K/9
Yeah, those numbers look pretty good and Barnes, the fruit of the 2009 Ryan Garko (out of baseball) trade, is only getting better. His primary breaking pitch, a curve, was shelved during 2010 as the brass felt a slider would better compliment his arsenal, particularly against left-handers. Now, with the slide piece fully integrated, Scottie is able to work with both pitches as secondary offerings. His best pitch, by far, is his change-up, of which he has complete command. The pitch has a bit of back-up action and is staggeringly effective against righties. The continued development of the slider is key to his success versus left-handed hitter because his fastball sits right around 91. Basically, Barnes isn't going to overpower anyone. I love the way that he uses his heater and it is described as having late pop and movement. I think of Scottie as sort of a left-handed Josh Tomlin, but with better swing-and-miss ability. As the two breaking balls are refined, his walk totals should drop and that OBA should shine through to an even more impressive WHIP. Scottie's GO/AO was a flat 1.00 in 2011, which is fine, especially for a guy with his strikeout totals. Barnes did tear his left ACL making a play off of the mound last July, but, not to worry, he will be entirely recovered and ready to go when spring camp opens. More importantly, the injury was kind of a freak thing. That is, it had nothing to do with his mechanics or delivery and, thus, the chances of recurrence are very low. With Roberto Hernandez (nee Fausto Carmona) indefinitely detained in the Domincan, the 5th spot in the rotation is up for grabs and Barnes will be in competition for it against the likes of Kevin Slowey, Jeanmar Gomez, David Huff and Zach McAllister (more on him soon). Believe you me, if Scottie pitches the best of the bunch at Goodyear, he will be on the opening day roster.
Up Next: #4 - RHP Dillon Howard
