Neil Walker, one of the key players in the Pirates' 11-5 comeback victory over the San Diego Padres Sunday, has some praise for the other key player, shortstop Clint Barmes, whose grand slam in the fourth gave the Pirates the lead.
"I honestly could not have been happier for a person on this entire team. Fans want to give him crap about what the numbers are, but ... this is one of the best teammates I've ever played with and a guy who's helped me out a lot (with) his positive attitude and the way he plays the game and grinding it out."
When you're having a year as terrible as the one Barmes has had, intangibles only count for so much. The Pirates have been giving away outs all season with Barmes and his .242 on-base percentage in the lineup, even if Barmes has taken some of those back with his strong defense. But it's nice to see that there's a bond between the Bucs' two starting middle infielders.
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