Coming into the season, there was much debate over whether or not Darwin Barney would be the long-term solution for the Chicago Cubs at the second base position. Barney was viewed by the previous regime as another Ryan Theriot type. Meaning, at best, Barney would be a player that held the second base position for a couple of seasons until the Cubs found a better option. Throughout the entire season, Barney has been proving his critics wrong. Not only has Barney been one of the most consistent players on the Cubs this season, but his performance may have been enough to turn him into a long-term asset for the Cubs at the second base position.
September 26, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Chris Nelson (10) is forced out at second base as Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) turns the double play during the third inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
While Barney is only hitting .261/.306/.364 this season with the Cubs, the second baseman has earned high praise because of his defensive skills. Not only is Barney now in the record books for the longest errorless streak at second base in the National League, as the second baseman has not made an error at the second base position since April 17. A mark that was previously held by David Eckstein. Now, Barney will go down in the record books for having one of the best defensive seasons in the history of Major League Baseball. With another flawless defensive performance on Thursday, Barney has tied the single season record for consecutive errorless games at the second base position in the history of Major League Baseball. A mark that he now shares with Placido Polanco at 141 games.
Barney, who should surpass Brandon Phillips for the National League gold glove for second basemen, will have the opportunity to break the record tonight against the Arizona Diamondbacks.