Daric Barton - Major League Career

Major League Career

Barton made his major league debut on September 10, 2007, against the Seattle Mariners. In his first two plate appearances, he walked both times. In his third plate appearance, he had his first major league hit off Ryan Feierabend, which was a double. On September 14, Barton hit his first major league home run which was against Kason Gabbard of the Texas Rangers.

Barton played in 18 games for the Athletics in 2007. He reached base safely in all 18 games via a hit or a walk. In those 18 games played, he hit .347 (25-72) with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs.

In 2008, Barton was the Athletics' starting first baseman. He batted just .226 with 9 home runs and 47 RBI in 140 games. During the All-Star break, Barton dove into a shallow pool and hit his head on the bottom. He suffered a jammed neck and had to get staples to close a cut on his head.

On April 5, 2009, the day before the A's season opener, Barton was demoted to Triple-A Sacramento.

Barton began the 2010 season as the A's starting first baseman. On April 25, 2010, he fractured his finger while tumbling into the Cleveland Indian's dugout. He won a Fielding Bible Award for his statistically based defensive excellence during the year and led his team in runs (79), hits (152), and doubles (33). He also led the AL in walks with 110, and was second in MLB only to Prince Fielder.

Barton was once again selected as the starting first baseman for the Athletics at the beginning of the 2011 season. On June 22 the A's sent Barton back to AAA Sacramento to make room for Mark Ellis. Barton was hitting .212 with no home runs at the time.

On June 2nd 2012 a struggling Barton was sent back to AAA.

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