Chicago Cubs Darwin Barney’s errorless game record ends unfulfilled – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney could not continue his second-base errorless streak record, and committed an error on Friday, September 28, in the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Having tied Placido Polanco’s record of 141 errorless games, Barney was anticipating, and being anticipated, to achieve a new milestone in Friday’s game; but that did not materialize. He threw off the mark in the eighth inning and was charged with error
– which was first since April 17.
However, much as it was saddening, and equally disappointing for many, the team manager paid glowing tribute to the second baseman whose performance has been phenomenal throughout the season.
What’s also important to underscore here is the fact that not only defensively, Barney had also performed outstandingly well offensively. That’s where he stands apart this season.
"I've been in the game 30 years, and I've never seen anyone play second base like [Barney] has," Sveum said. "I was very fortunate to be around who I consider the best I'd ever seen at that position in Jimmy Gantner in Milwaukee. He was another guy who was
under the radar because of his offense.”
Sveum also said the achievement by Barney this season makes him National League ‘Gold Glove material’. Previously, Barney successfully broke the National League record of 123 errorless games held by Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.
In the team manager’s view, for a lot of reason, Barney was outstanding compared to Jimmy Gantner – the player that Sveum compared his second baseman with.
"I think Barney is better than that," Sveum said. "He puts everything into the package, going for pop-ups down the right-field line, double plays, the range -- he has so many different things in his toolbox. It's not just a guy catching the ball, routine
balls. He's been spectacular all season."
Although Barney could not make a new record of errorless games in the second base, and ended with a tier, Barney has emerged as an endearing feature and invaluable asset for the team both offensively and defensively. In remaining game of the regular season,
Barney will try to have a wonderful finish to be seen by all.
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