Post by Coach on Jun 20, 2007 10:06:12 GMT -5
msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6941994?MSNHPHMA
The Cubs, frustrated by Michael Barrett's erratic, inattentive play, have traded the catcher to the Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and Class A outfielder Kyler Burke.
The deal, first reported by ESPN.com, also includes a cash payment from the Cubs to the Padres that will help defray the remainder of Barrett's $4.5 million salary.
The trade will not become official until the commissioner's office approves the cash component, a major-league source said, indicating that the amount could be more than $1 million.
Bowen and Henry Blanco figure to be the Cubs' new catching tandem, giving the team the stronger defensive presence that manager Lou Piniella prefers at the position.
The Padres, eighth in the National League in runs, have been searching for more offense. They are second in the league in on-base/slugging percentage at catcher, but Barrett will combine with Josh Bard to give the team more power.
Defense is another question.
Barrett, a converted infielder, had improved behind the plate in recent years but struggled with his defense and base-running this season. From that standpoint, his addition could be a risk to the Padres, who lead the N.L. with a 2.97 ERA.
When Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano pointed to his head in the moments leading to his brawl with Barrett, apparently questioning what the catcher was thinking, it captured the team's frustration with Barrett's play.
Barrett, 30, is batting .256 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. Bowen, 26, is batting .268 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
The Cubs, frustrated by Michael Barrett's erratic, inattentive play, have traded the catcher to the Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and Class A outfielder Kyler Burke.
The deal, first reported by ESPN.com, also includes a cash payment from the Cubs to the Padres that will help defray the remainder of Barrett's $4.5 million salary.
The trade will not become official until the commissioner's office approves the cash component, a major-league source said, indicating that the amount could be more than $1 million.
Bowen and Henry Blanco figure to be the Cubs' new catching tandem, giving the team the stronger defensive presence that manager Lou Piniella prefers at the position.
The Padres, eighth in the National League in runs, have been searching for more offense. They are second in the league in on-base/slugging percentage at catcher, but Barrett will combine with Josh Bard to give the team more power.
Defense is another question.
Barrett, a converted infielder, had improved behind the plate in recent years but struggled with his defense and base-running this season. From that standpoint, his addition could be a risk to the Padres, who lead the N.L. with a 2.97 ERA.
When Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano pointed to his head in the moments leading to his brawl with Barrett, apparently questioning what the catcher was thinking, it captured the team's frustration with Barrett's play.
Barrett, 30, is batting .256 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. Bowen, 26, is batting .268 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
