Darwin Barney Listed As A Finalist For Gold Glove Award

The Chicago Cubs lost 100+ games during the 2012 season. To a general baseball fan, one would take a glance at the Cubs’ record and then move on without giving any consideration to the Chicago Cubs roster. With further consideration, one would discover that the Cubs’ roster is filled with several players that will likely be major contributors to the team when they are ready to contend. From shortstop Starlin Castro; first baseman Anthony Rizzo; and starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija; the Cubs have developed a nucleus of players that figure to be the cornerstone of the Cubs’ long-term success.

Sept. 30, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) throws to first base in the fourth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-US PRESSWIRE

One player who may be quickly creeping into the core nucleus for the Cubs is second baseman Darwin Barney. Barney endured a breakout season of sorts during the 2012 season. Barney’s breakout season is likely attributed to the defensive milestones he achieved during the 2012 season. Barney set National League record and tied the Major League record with an error-less streak of 141 games at the second base position.

Barney may be on the verge of being rewarded for his defensive efforts during the 2012 season. Barney was named as a finalist for the gold glove award for National League second baseman. Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds and Aaron Hill of the Arizona Diamondbacks were the other named finalists for the award. The winner of the award, along with other awards for the 2012 Major League Baseball season, will be announced on Tuesday.

Barney may hold an advantage over Phillips and Hill. Barney has received the Fielding Bible Award for the second base position for his efforts during the 2012 season. The Fielding Bible award is issued at every position and combines both National League and American League players. There is no question that his should be an indicator that Barney may be in line to win the gold glove award for National League second baseman, though, reputation can play a factor in the handing out of gold glove awards. Barney may not be Dat Dude BP, but he was the best fielding second baseman in all of baseball last season.