Darwin Barney Wins Gold Glove Award

Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney has added another piece of evidence to the growing suggestion that Barney may be the Cubs’ long-term solution at the second base position. Entering the 2012 season, Barney was drawing comparisons to Ryan Theriot. Though, despite the disdain that Cubs fans share in regards to Theriot, the scrappy infielder now has two World Series rings. So being compared to Theriot may not necessarily be an insult. However, for the sake of this article and in the eyes of Cubs fans, it is best if no player on the Cubs roster is compared to Theriot.

Sep. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Darwin Barney (15) sits in the dugout during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

With a stellar defensive season in 2012, one that saw Barney go 141 games without making an error at the second base position, Barney may be on the verge of joining the Cubs’ nucleus of players that include starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, shortstop Starlin Castro, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Though, unlike those three players, Barney was the only Cub to receive defensive hardware for his efforts during the 2012 season.

Barney was announced on Wednesday Night as the National League recipient for the Gold Glove award for the second base position. Barney beat out Aaron Hill of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds for the award. There was no question that Barney was the clear favorite to win the award. Sure Barney may not be as fancy as the popular Phillips, but defense is not meant to be fancy. Defense is a result of pure baseball intelligence, and that is one area where Barney exceeds in. Nonetheless, congratulations to the Cubs’ second baseman and here’s to many more to come for Barney.

Barney is the first Cub to win a Gold Glove award since the 2007 season when Derrek Lee won the award for National League first basemen.