Per Slusser's twitter...

Susan Slusser ‏ @ susanslusser

Daric Barton signs with # Athletics for $1.1 million and can earn additional $250K in incentives. Contract is not guaranteed.

Interesting. Not often you see contracts without any guaranteed money in MLB? DB is certainly a long shot at this point, he's going to have to have a huge spring to earn a job. Maybe decent insurance if Carter gets off to his typical ice cold start to the season.

THE FAUX-HAWKED ONE REMAINS.

so they cqan release him any time without any financial commitment. insurance if moss, carter 2012 are flukes

What on earth for?

no brainer of a move, actually.

he's going to get paid for being there, its not like he is working for free.

Barton, Carter, and Moss are all out of options, and there's no room on the active roster for all three.  

I'd guess either 1) they think Barton has some value and will trade him at some point, or 2) he's insurance in case Moss or Carter gets hurt or traded in the spring.

I'm sure there are a lot of A's fans who would rather see practically anybody else get a chance, but with Barton's track record and actually having success in the majors before, I don't think it's a bad move. We've got a lot of power now, so his on base abilities and defense could be helpful, and the lack of power from the power position might not be so detrimental.

I still hope Moss and Carter both get off to good starts and Barton isn't needed, I prefer what they bring to the table.

I'm surprised the A's tendered him. Beane just loves this guy...

BanditoB wrote: I'm sure there are a lot of A's fans who would rather see practically anybody else get a chance, but with Barton's track record and actually having success in the majors before, I don't think it's a bad move. We've got a lot of power now, so his on base abilities and defense could be helpful, and the lack of power from the power position might not be so detrimental.

I still hope Moss and Carter both get off to good starts and Barton isn't needed, I prefer what they bring to the table.

+1

He's a frustrating player to watch sometimes, but overall he's decent player.

Sounds like a sweet deal for the A's. If anybody goes down in the spring like Sizemore last season they have a backup plan. If Moss and Carter are healthy and producing Barton gets cut with no financial commitment.

Just another example of Beane's newfound appreciation of the importance of depth.

barton would be an ideal #2 hitter if you carry legit power at other positions. but right now the middle infield looks powerless and donaldson needs to prove he's legit.

barton is out of milb options so he either beats out carter/moss or likely traded in a minor deal in spring

Obviously he's going to make a triumphant return as catcher next year. Kottaras and Barton battle for the biggest walk to pass ball ratio!

smokednoak wrote: Obviously he's going to make a triumphant return as catcher next year. Kottaras and Barton battle for the biggest walk to pass ball ratio!

See, THAT I'd be up for with him.  His future clearly isn't as the A's 1B.

arly2380 wrote: barton would be an ideal #2 hitter if you carry legit power at other positions. but right now the middle infield looks powerless and donaldson needs to prove he's legit.

barton is out of milb options so he either beats out carter/moss or likely traded in a minor deal in spring

serviceable #2, maybe...an ideal #2????....no...outside of his "high" obp he lacks key skills of a true #2 hitter...making contact when needed, hitting for some/any power, base running skills etc.

The pennant is....I couldn't even do it with a straight face

I can't see how he's worth a 40 man roster spot, let all the $$. I'd rather have Miller or Simmons.

Didn't the A's do the same with Powell last offseason and he didn't even make the team out of ST and I would expect the same with Barton. At best I'd hope the A's could trade him and get something back, anything really at this point.

A's have evolved beyond Barton. Moss and Carter are both far better options at 1B although Barton is certainly a better defensive 1B than Carter (with offseason and ST work, I think Moss could end up being pretty good defensively). I would rather save a spot for Brandon inge and let him and/or Donaldson be considered a backup 1B. At least they have flexibility of playing another position.

APlus100 wrote: A's have evolved beyond Barton. Moss and Carter are both far better options at 1B although Barton is certainly a better defensive 1B than Carter (with offseason and ST work, I think Moss could end up being pretty good defensively). I would rather save a spot for Brandon inge and let him and/or Donaldson be considered a backup 1B. At least they have flexibility of playing another position.

I like this idea ...Inge as backup.  They certainly have no need for depth at 1b ... not if it's named Daric Barton.  Good D, not great.  His bat is not what major league teams are looking fro from a first baseman, however.  OBP sans power is not what teams are looking for in a first baseman.  If the A's find one, then they ought to deal him quickly to that team, regardless the return.

You people are vicious. This is the thanks Barton gets for bringing "sexy" back to popping out?