Tucker Barnhart is one of the newest members of the Chicago Cubs.
Despite the fact that he’ll likely be splitting catching duties with Yan Gomes, Barnhart has been getting to know the pitching staff the only way he knows.
With extreme detail.
Barnhart studied the pitchers before he even arrived in Mesa, Ariz., and he’s been working meticulously ever since to build a strong rapport.
“When we get out there and we’re talking, I want to have a little bit of ammo to be able to hold a conversation, not just sit there and blankly stare and listen,” Tucker told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’d like to give some sort of input, if there is any.”
Barnhart even held Zoom calls with Gomes and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy before spring training.
“Once you form that vision of who that certain guy is, you’re able to hit the ground running,” Barnhart told the Sun-Times. “Specifically with where their misses are when they’re not going well, you’re able to help steer them back into the right lane.”
Hayden Wesneski has been overwhelmed with Barnhart’s ability to connect.
“He already knows everything about everybody,” Wesneski said. “And then he understands where people miss, so then he helps them and tries to steal strikes. There’s so many things that he does that make him a pro, it’s incredible.”
The two-time Gold Glove catcher is a nine-year veteran who has a career slashline of .245/.320/.360. Barnhart will bring leadership to a club looking to work its way back to the postseason.
In addition, being so detail-oriented should make Barnhart ultra successful this season.
It certainly can’t hurt.
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