Brad Nelson or Kevin Barker

[Crash2303]

Didn't really know where to put this, but I often thought of Kevin Barker when Brad Nelson was in our system. Both had peaks of high prospect status within our system. Both played 1B and were expanded to OF when their prospect status dimmed. Barker was a 3rd round draft pick, Nelson was a 4th. Both have become career AAAA players. I was struck that Barker is still playing at 34 yrs old- and did well last year in a stint w/ the reds- good on him. Barker probably has had the better minor league career especially at the higher levels and the better meager major league career. but since nelson is like 8 years younger- when it's all said and done- who do you think will have had the better baseball career?

[dadofandrew]

Did Barker ever play any LF in the bigs, I recall he took fly balls to at least have that option. The only difference between those guys and a guy like Mike Sweeney is opportunity and a bit of plate discipline.

[battlekow]

The only difference between those guys and a guy like Mike Sweeney is opportunity and a bit of plate discipline.

Mike Sweeney now or Mike Sweeney from '99-'05 who put up a 130 OPS+?

[TooLiveBrew]

Did he maybe mean Mark Sweeney?

[Crash2303]

not sure if Mark Sweeney was ever a legitimate prospect. Nelson was in the BA top 100 at least one year if not more.

[dadofandrew]

Mark Sweeney, who had a nice career as a bench bat. Sorry.