Barmes has come a long way from his days with the Triple-A Sky Sox
Colorado Rockies Manager Jim Tracy summed it up nicely Sunday night at Coors Field:
“There’s been pitches of the year, innings of the year — that’s the defensive play of the year,” Tracy said.
Clint Barmes’ diving catch turned into a game-ending double play when Ryan Spillborghs, charging in from deep right, instructed his second baseman to throw the ball to Todd Helton at first base. The St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols had taken off on contact as the flare pop-fly drifted over the streaking Barmes in short right field with one out in the top of the 9th inning.  The aggressive base-running decision would prove costly for Pujols and his Cardinals, as Colorado found yet another exciting way to win a crucial baseball game.
The awe-inspiring individual effort combined with trademark Colorado teamwork kept the Rockies 2.5 games ahead of the surging Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card race.
After a forgettable week of pitching from various Rockies starters, Colorado ace Jorge de la Rosa and closer Huston Street combined with Barmes to keep the Rocks’ playoff train on-track. The 4-3 win kept the Rockies close enough to think about catching the LA Dodgers to win the division, but the Colorado clubhouse was undoubtedly dominated by the sentiment that Tuesday’s game versus the Milwaukee Brewers was the only one that mattered right now.
Barmes’ play Sunday night capped another dominant year of infield defense for the Rockies. For those (like myself) who grew impatient with Clint’s batting woes, Sunday’s clutch play was a poignant reminder of how important an A-list group of fielders is to any team’s playoff hopes.
Said Manager Tracy after the game, “I kept playing him through times when there were some offensive shortcomings. I will never ever give up on Clint Barmes.”
A noteworthy managerial decision that appears to have paid off in spades for the Rockies this September.
