Cubs dump Barrett to Padres

by ReLaunch on Jun 20, 2007 9:55 AM EDT

Man, if only the Yanks could have had him instead of Nieves

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2910079

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Michael Barrett
Barrett

It wasn't immediately known what the Cubs will receive in return from San Diego for Barrett, who has made headlines this season for arguing with Cubs pitchers in the dugout on two occasions this month and struggling on defense at times this season.

Last week, Lou Piniella said Barrett's playing time would be reduced in the coming weeks, though the Cubs manager said it had nothing to do with Barrett clashing with his teammates.

Barrett was involved in a dugout confrontation, shoving match and then a clubhouse brawl with starter Carlos Zambrano during a game earlier this month, then had what was characterized as a heated discussion with starter Rich Hill in the fourth inning of a June 12 loss to Seattle.

Barrett also was involved in a much-replayed fight with A.J. Pierzynski in a May 2006 interleague game. Barrett landed a punch to the right jaw of Pierzynski after the White Sox catcher ran him over at home plate in what both teams said was a clean play. Barrett later received a 10-game suspension while Pierzynski was fined.

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Good move by the Pads

Barrett is a good catcher. I wonder if Josh Bard is now available?

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 20, 2007 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Barrett is a good hitter

Not a good catcher.

The Cubs received catcher Rob Bowen and minor-league outfielder Kyler Burke.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6941994

Who was the guy who posted last week that the Cubs were going to dump him?

by matthaggs on Jun 20, 2007 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Just because stupid things happen

doesn't make them less stupid.
I can't believe the Cubs have done this for that little.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jun 20, 2007 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Not sure what that means

but I predicted the Cubs were going to do a stupid thing, and everyone here said I was being ridiculous, and that the Cubs wouldn't have a "fire sale" or take the crap players the Yanks had (as oppossed to the crap players the Padres gave them).

When the star pitcher punches the catcher in the face - several times - and both are free agents, the catcher has to pack his bags. Seemed obvious to me.

I need to sign off now before I start sounding like pifsty.

by matthaggs on Jun 20, 2007 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm acknowledging your prediction

Repeating that I thought it was stupid at the time, and arguing that because it has happened it's not a good move. If Cash had shipped out Jorge after he and Duque got into a fight I'd have called for his head.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Jun 20, 2007 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I wasn't talking about defense

Barrett is one of the better catchers in baseball. Hence he is a good catcher.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Jun 20, 2007 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Stuck with Nieves

From what I've heard, the staff and team loves Nieves. Given the strength of our lineup, I suppose Torre doesn't think his lack of pop will out weighs his value as a backstop.

I suspect he's our choice in 2007--unless Tony Pena wants to strap on the tools of ignorance again.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Jun 20, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Sadly, you're right

He handles Posada like he handles the pen... When Posada's wheels finally do come off, it's gonna' be Kei Igawa ugly. Start looking for your protective eyewear, my friend.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Jun 20, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions