Returns as an everyday player after an injury-plagued 2003 campaign ... An extremely strong offensive player ... Has the ability to put up tremendous offensive numbers ... Will be used defensively at the corners in the infield ... Will hit primarily in the middle of the line-up.

JUNIOR (2003): Saw action in 26 games all as a starter ... Posted a .370 batting average in 100 at-bats and drove in 33 runs ... Despite his limited at-bats was second on the team in homeruns with 6 ... Also stole 5 bases in 6 attempts ... Defensively recorded 93 putouts and a fielding percentage of .938.

COLLEGE: Transfer from Indian River Community College were he spent two years under coach Mike Easom... Selected as a 2002 Junior College All-Star ... Hit .290 with five home runs, 32 runs and 35 RBI ... Smashed 25 doubles ... Hit .276 with three homers and 37 RBI as a freshman ... Redshirted one season in 2000 with the University of Louisville.

HIGH SCHOOL: One-year varsity letterman at Miami Killian High School under coach Manny Fernandez ... Received All-County Honorable mention honors in 1999 when he batted .370 with 35 RBI and nine stolen bases.

PERSONAL: Son of Charles and Eleanor Barton ... Has two brothers ... Younger brother Stephen plays for Florida Gators ... Majoring in Business Management.