Cubs 2B Darwin's theory: Ryno behind his success

Whether he wins a Gold Glove, Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney already has done something that may mean just as much to him, if only because of the specific company it puts him in.

When he broke the National League record for consecutive errorless games at second over the weekend in Pittsburgh, he unseated the man he credits with being a big reason he’s even in the big leagues: Cubs great Ryne Sandberg.

“It’s cool,” said Barney, who had Sandberg as a manager at four minor-league spots, including Arizona Fall League and in his final season in the minors, at Class AAA Iowa in 2010.

“At some point I’ll text Ryno and not say anything but `thanks,’ ” Barney said. “He put a lot of extra time into the work that we did down there. And it’s paying off.”

Barney broke the record Saturday and reached 125 games Sunday.

Some believe he deserves a Gold Glove for the season he’s had, and manager Dale Sveum has lobbied other managers on his behalf.

“I try not to think about it,” Barney said. “Because [Cincinnati’s Brandon] Phillips is so good. He’s on a team that’s winning, and baseball people are watching him every day. It’s not like it would be a surprise if he got it [for a fourth time].

“I’m just trying to do my best to get better and help this team moving forward. It’s not on my mind; it’ll be on my mind when that decision’s made.”