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Rockies: Barmes’ power surge sign of times at second

Troy E. Renck
The Denver Post

WASHINGTON – Second base is becoming the new shortstop. Remember when the triumvirate of Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garcia- parra and Derek Jeter redefined the shortstop position with power in the mid-1990s? Second base is quietly undergoing a similar evolution this season.

Led by Toronto’s Aaron Hill with 28, four second basemen have at least 22 home runs. The Rockies’ Clint Barmes is tied for fifth with 20, leaving him second on his team behind Troy Tulowitzki. That’s right. With 42 games remaining, Barmes has more home runs than Todd Helton, Ian Stewart and all-star Brad Hawpe.

“I told Hawpe that it better not finish that way,” Barmes said with a smile. “I can’t really explain it. I know I am staying behind the ball a lot better, but it’s not like I am up there trying to hit ’em out.”



Quite the opposite, in fact. That’s why Barmes is having trouble enjoying his power surge – 10 homers in 113 at-bats – because he’s hitting just .177 since the all-star break.

“It’s weird. It seems like those are the only hits I get,” Barmes said. “But at least I am making them count.”

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