Dodgers News: Barney Revels Playing With The Dodgers

Not many players are fortunate enough to get a second chance in the same season. Utility player Darwin Barney was given that opportunity when he was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Los Angeles Dodgers in late July.

With Barney and the Dodgers in Chicago for a four-game series with the Cubs, Barney discussed being traded from a losing team to a playoff contender, via Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago

The biggest difference is at this time of year a lot of guys are counting down the days,” Barney said of his former team. “It’s strange not to be counting down the days. I didn’t even know the season was over in 10 days. There’s still baseball ahead.”

Barney also spoke about playing on a winning team with talented players such as Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw:

This team is a really good team,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how good we were when I got here. (Clayton) Kershaw is the best pitcher I’ve ever seen.”

Barney was brought to the Dodgers to add depth in the infield. Although hitting isn’t Barney’s strength, the 28-year-old is hitting .273 with a home run, five RBIs and five walks over 29 plate appearances since coming to Los Angeles.

True to his perceived strength, Barney has shined with the glove as he has a 1.000 fielding percentage over nine games. His perfect fielding percentage has come while playing both second base and shortstop.

Manager Don Mattingly once mentioned he’d also like to get Barney some time at third base, however Justin Turner’s emergence and Barney’s struggle to adjust to the position has prevented that.