Last year, Addison Barger made his debut in majority with the Blue Jays. He played especially in the corners of the field and in the third cushion, which is his natural position. He did well, but nothing more.
We expected, following a big camp, to see him start the season in the major, but he went downstairs. He ended up having his chance and it started more soft for him.
But for a few weeks, he has taken off.
Have you noticed that his flight coordinates exactly with the moment when the Blue Jays gave him regular playing time? It must be the biggest chance at a club who loves bencher his young players for everything and for nothing, you know …
Since Ends Gimenez has been injured, Barger has played practically every day in the third cushion. And not only does he take confidence defensively (do not change position every day helps him), but he gets used to hitting every day.
And its power comes out. For 15 days, he has – by far – the best ops of the club among qualified strikers.
But in addition to the stats, the eye test is conclusive in its case. It is clear that the player holds his end in the warm corner, but also that he is a real monster of power.
Apart from Vlady, I'm not sure that someone strikes stronger than him in Toronto. And it contributes to the fact that in May, the Blue Jays attack was more efficient than we thought.
I know that Ternie Clement (who has been playing the second goal for a few weeks in replacement of Gimenez) is well and that Barger can play in the field, but I hope despite everything that with the return of Andres Gimenez, Barger will keep his place in the third cushion.
After all, he found his nest and I don't want to see John Schneider breaking this formula. Barger must play position #5 and not in the field.
