How much playing time will Michael Barrett get as Josh Bards backup?
Both players will see significant playing time, in part to keep Bard fresh and in part out of respect for Barrett’s track record and ability. The Padres like how Bard handles the staff, makes consistent contact and has hit well with men on base. Barrett, who has hit between nine and 16 homers each of the last six years, clearly offers more power. Barrett hits lefties well, but there’s no platoon advantage for him because Bard is a switch-hitter who also crushes lefties. Bard’s greatest weakness is that he allowed 121 of 131 basestealers to succeed last year, but Barrett isn’t a noted thrower, either — he’s caught 23 percent in his career, including 7 of 47 last year with the Padres.
