“No matter what, you have to fully commit to something with the attitude that it is permanent.”  Jeremy Barfield spoke these words, and they are appropriate with his current situation.  Barfield recently began his transition from a corner outfielder to pitcher with the Oakland Athletics organization.  “There is a backlog of corner outfielders in the organization and I am more valuable to the organization if I am on the mound.”  He was also told on his birthday about the conversion.

"There is much more money to be made on the mound anyways. Left handed relievers have a lot easier career path. Just look at Darren Oliver. He's in his 40's and still getting big league hitters out!"

The right-hander also had to deal with some struggles.  “Going from AAA to rookie ball sucked big time, I feel like I have wasted five years of my career and life, even though I know this isn’t entirely true, it has been a humbling experience.” 

In Jeremy’s minor league career, he hit with a .261 average, with 354 RBI’s, 616 hits, and 64 bombs.  “I haven't picked up a bat since this started and regardless of the results I know I am giving it my all. Use your hitting knowledge as an asset. Use the unique perspective you have to your advantage. I know how to think like a hitter and I will use that ability to get hitters out now.”

Barfield also added the highlight of his 2013 season was going 2-3 with a homer against Jhoulys Chacin and the Rockies in the A’s Cactus League as well as going from leading the entire organization in home runs to pitching in a span of six weeks.

A well-recognized twitter name @Baseclogger (who is worth the follow by the way) is known for funny and witty tweets.  Barfield says “I don't take myself too seriously and neither should you. I try not to offend too many people on there and I am real big on self-deprecating humor.”

With that, I asked him a quote he lives by, he says “Money can’t buy happiness but it’s a damn good down payment.”  Made famous by rapper Fabolous.

On and off the field Jeremy Barfield is worth watching.  A’s fan base looks forward to seeing what he brings to the mound.