12 days until the first spring workout for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Spring Training 2018 continues to inch closer and closer for the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to get closer and closer to the start of Spring Training 2018. In just 12 days, the team’s pitchers and catchers will take to the fields of Pirate City for the first workout of the spring for the Pirates.

Personally, when the Pittsburgh Pirates and number 12 are mentioned only one player comes to mind. That player is former shortstop Clint Barmes.

Clint Barmes played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012-2014. He was the team’s primary shortstop in 2012 and for the majority of 2013 before being supplanted by Jordy Mercer. Barmes then returned to the Pirates as a utility infielder in 2014.

As a member of the Pirates, Clint Barmes struggled immensely at the plate. In 939 plate appearances as a Pirate, Barmes owned a .271 on-base percentage, a .257 wOBA, and a wRC+ of 61.

Despite his offensive struggles, Barmes was an excellent defensive player in Pittsburgh. Barmes owned a +15 DRS and a 23.8 UZR/150 in 2,155 2/3 innings as a shortstop for the Pirates.

He was also a key clubhouse figure during his time in Pittsburgh. A big reason for the Pirates making the postseason in 2013 and 2014 was the team moving toward advanced metrics, analytics, and defensive shifting. While many on the team were hesitant of this, veteran Clint Barmes going all in on these changes led to a lot of players on the team getting on board as well.

During the 2013 and 2014 seasons Barmes used ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey as his walk-up music. This became the theme song of the 2013 Pirates, and it led to fans far and wide at PNC Park singing along to Barmes’ walk-up music when he came to the plate.

Next: Pirates acquire Josh Smoker

Clint Barmes retired from baseball following the 2015 season which he spent with the San Diego Padres. Despite being far from an offensive threat, Barmes will forever go down as a player that played a key role behind the scenes on postseason teams in 2013 and 2014.