The Denver Post has some reaction from Barmes, himself:
"I'll be honest with you, I was hoping to be a Rockie. I was wanting to try to work something out. But talking to Dan (O'Dowd), some other opportunities came up and it just seemed to be better for both sides. I'm excited about getting an opportunity to play shortstop and have a team interested in me. You're a little more valuable at shortstop than you are at second base. You're in control of the infield. There's that leadership role you have to take into account. I believe that's a good fit for me. That's where I've played most of my career and I've always looked at myself as a shortstop."
Here's an interesting footnote from Troy E. Renck:
Houston has had interest in Barmes for months, and he will likely become their starting shortstop.
Hm. Months? This isn't looking good for you, Manzella.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
