Luis Valbuena Becoming Tired Act; Give Josh Barfield a Chance

The Indians 2009 season has been much like their 2008 season: One of failed expectations. 

The line-up was supposed to be rock-solid with healthy versions of Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta coming off a career year, and a new third basemen not named or threatened by Andy Marte. 

In addition to the late season acquisitions of Matt LaPorta and Carlos Santana, an off-season trade of Franklin Gutierrez yielded Joe Smith and Luis Valbuena, a trade to bolster not only a depleted bullpen, but the middle infield depth of the minor league system (perhaps the worst aspect of the Indians highly touted farm system).

The acquisition of Valbuena was viewed as a positive at the time.  After all, the last two young middle infielders to have come from Seattle to Cleveland had panned out well. 

But Valbuena was viewed as nothing more than a fourth infielder, much like the spot Jamey Carroll has excelled at since his arrival in Cleveland last year. 

Furthermore, as demonstrated with a late season call-up last year, he wasn't quite major-league ready. With the team decimated by injuries, it was understandable that players would get the call from AAA. 

Valbuena has played almost every day since his call-up, and while he hasn't accumulated a significant number of at bats, his offensive stats have been terrible. 

His inability to deliver in the clutch has been tiresome, drawing comparisons to Casey Blake.  Yet he has been rewarded with playing time, and being moved up in the order.

Forgotten in this argument was Josh Barfield.  Acquired two before the 2007 season, Barfield came into town with high expectations, coming off an excellent rookie campaign with the San Diego Padres.

He hit a wall in his sophomore year in the big leagues, and has been constantly on the highway between AAA and the majors ever since. 

Until this year, it was understandable: His AAA numbers were never overwhelming (much like Andy Marte), and his numbers in the big leagues were egregious as well. 

However, unlike Marte who had two months of everyday time last year, Barfield played so little that it was hard to even call him a reserve. Fans have begun to believe that Barfield is in manager Eric Wedge's doghouse. 

This year, despite injuries to Jamey Carroll and Asdrubal Cabrera, and Jhonny Peralta's inability to hit slap the ball the other way, Barfield has managed a measly 16 at-bats.

But in these 16 at-bats, Barfield has delivered a game-winning hit and a .938 OPS.  His defense hasn't been Gold Glove caliber, but it has been good enough to warrant more than 16 at-bats on an injury-defeated team.

The Indians began today just 6.5 games back for the division lead, remarkable for a team eight games under .500.  They can make up last lost ground.  But it'd be easier if they gave Josh Barfield a chance.