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Sources: Cubs dump Barrett via trade to Padres

Splash3_tiny by ExNorthsider on

Sources: Cubs dump Barrett via trade to Padres
ESPN.com

Updated: June 20, 2007, 9:33 AM ET
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 Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was traded to the Padres on Wednesday, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

It wasn't known immediately what the Cubs will receive in return for dealing their controversial catcher.

Star-divide

Good.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I just heard the same
I'm listening to Mike & Mike and Buster Olney just broke in to report the same.  It will be interesting to see who they got in return and who will be the #1 catcher.  Hill is a backup, nothing more.  

Also this is interesting in that I would have never thought Hendry would trade one of his favorite players.   Just wondering out loud if this has anything to do with the Zambrano negotiations?   Did Z say there was no way he would resign if the Cusb retained Barrett?

Kasey

by kaseyi on Jun 20, 2007 8:40 AM CDT   0 recs

In another diary...
... it appears Rob Bowen has been acquired. I like Bowen, but the Cubs should get more. Perhaps more players are involved.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 20, 2007 8:40 AM CDT   0 recs

Good.
it was time.  maybe they were able to pry away Linebrink.
"that wouldn't be a home run in a phone booth."

by jinxproof on Jun 20, 2007 8:40 AM CDT   0 recs

I'm adding links...
... to the main page.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 20, 2007 8:41 AM CDT   0 recs

i just
heard rob bowen and linebrick for barrett and e-patt

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 8:59 AM CDT   0 recs

ugh
linebrink and bowen for barrett is ok, but if e-patt is included, then that is a ridiculously bad trade for the Cubs.
Check out Road To Wrigley, my NEW Cubs Minor League System website: Road To Wrigley

by jonpyardi on Jun 20, 2007 9:00 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i dont think
so really linebrick will help our pin alot. and we have alot of infielders.

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 9:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ok
I've put more thought to it, and I'm not as disappointed with it, but I still say the Padres "win" that trade.  Granted, it is possible the Fathers will give the Cubs some lower level talent as well that aren't being mentioned.
Check out Road To Wrigley, my NEW Cubs Minor League System website: Road To Wrigley

by jonpyardi on Jun 20, 2007 9:07 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

k now
i heard barret and cash for bowen and minor leaguer tyler burke

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 9:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Trojan Horse
I think it is a trojan horse strategy so that Barrett can land a good punch on Chris Young.  Barrett is our "hit man" to finish off what D-Lee couldn't finish...

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Jun 20, 2007 9:20 AM CDT   0 recs

I love it!
n/t
"One of the worst writers on this board."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Jun 20, 2007 9:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That was my thought
We just have this fight with (I assume a very popular player who Barret has donated money to for each HR) and he get traded and has to catch for this mouthy Young and how comfortable will that be? Do you welcome Barrett to the team or do you ignore him?
This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jun 20, 2007 1:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Barrett
for Bowen, a minor league pitcher and cash considerations, that's what I've seen.  Anyone have an update or more info on whether Linebrink was included?

by pageian on Jun 20, 2007 9:25 AM CDT   0 recs

right
now there is no linebrink but we are gettin an outfielder named tyler burke (dont know if spelling is right)

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 9:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I just read that we may have moved Eric Patterson
with Barrett in the deal.  The team must really like Fotenot.

by ontheuptick on Jun 20, 2007 9:26 AM CDT   0 recs

Looks like it was just a message board rumor..
I haven't found anything to back it up..

by ontheuptick on Jun 20, 2007 9:48 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

New update.....
per ESPN.

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

This seems right:  Bowen, a minor leaguer and cash.  The Cubs and Barrett have diminished his value.  Linebrick in this deal, IMHO, was never a possibility.

Overall, this is a good deal for the Cubs.  Addition by subtraction.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Jun 20, 2007 9:27 AM CDT   0 recs

I think I agree
with the addition by subtraction thing.  Too bad we couldn't have gotten Linebrink as well but if Bowen can hit a little and play solid defense then I say this isn't a bad deal.

by pageian on Jun 20, 2007 9:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Addition by Subtraction
This sure is becoming a trend for the Cubs:

Sosa, Patterson, Walker, Williamson, etc.

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Jun 20, 2007 9:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed.
n/t
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 20, 2007 9:36 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

whatever
if blanco could be back within the month then this trade is bullshit, we could have just played blanco everyday if we wanted a better defensive catcher and then traded barrett for a decent prospect or two.
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 20, 2007 9:41 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Curious....
what do you honestly believe you could get for Barrett?  He is a FA after this year, he is hitting below his lifetime average, he has been horrible defensively, he has been a pain in the ass and was recently benched.

Does that scream prospects?  IMHO, Hendry did okay on this one.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Jun 20, 2007 10:09 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

considering
we were able to get a useful player for neifi perez who had a horrible contract, i would expect that teams would be willing to give out a decent prospect or two for one of the better hitting catchers in the game.  after looking at this kyler burke guy i actually am kind of pleased with the trade, the fact you bring up that barrett is a fa at the end of the year definitely does affect his value and i hadnt thought of that yet.  my main gripe with the trade though, is why do we just duplicate our catchers? rob bowen, koyie hill, henry blanco? theyre all the same guy, at least go out and get this team something it doesnt already have.
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 20, 2007 10:15 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Me thinks.....
Hank White is done.

I can't see how he can catch with his back problem.

As for Bowen, IMHO, it just shows how difficult it is to acquire quality catchers.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Jun 20, 2007 10:17 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah you guys are right
Jun 17 Cubs manager Lou Piniella told the Chicago Tribune that Blanco did not respond well to a cortisone shot meant to help the catcher's neck pain. "I don't think there's any target for coming back," Piniella told the newspaper. "It's a shame."
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 20, 2007 10:19 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Blanco is not good
from Pat and Ron last night. It may be a while until we see him. I would think with a herniated disc that could be never.
This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jun 20, 2007 1:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

re: whatever
I have a feeling that Blanco is done. This trade may be further evidence of that.
Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: We Keep Life Interesting

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 20, 2007 10:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Bad trade?
"In return the Cubs will receive backup catcher Rob Bowen, a minor league pitcher and cash considerations, Olney reports."

This was taken off of the ESPN website.

I don't know about you guys but in my opinion this will be a very bad trade on the Cubs. The way Barrett is hitting and stuff.. I don't mind getting rid of him becasue of chemistry but I think the Cubs should get a little bit more than bowen and a minor league pitcher.

Jamie K GO CUBBIES!

by cubsfan22 on Jun 20, 2007 9:34 AM CDT   0 recs

Hendry makes good deals
when he's picking up another teams castoffs but he doesn't seem to make good trades when we are the team dumping players.  This one might not look great but it could turn out okay so I'm reserving judgement.  

Let's just hope all the people screaming about how much Barretts defense was hurting us were right.  We're about to find out.

by pageian on Jun 20, 2007 9:37 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Barrett's not hitting.
Barrett in 211 AB: .256/.307/.427
Bowen in 82 AB: .268/.371/.439  

Bowen is five years younger with more upside. Barrett has baggage. As I said, I like Michael, but it was time for him to go.

FWIW, Bowen will have to change uniform numbers. His SD number: 14.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 20, 2007 9:39 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Barrett will hit eventually though
He's having a rough year but it's pretty out of character; he'll likely turn it around.

Bowen meanwhile will regress to the mean.

Bowen is a solid backstop, and it will be nice to have another switch hitter in the lineup, but I wouldn't describe someone whose last 2 teams were waiver claims as someone with upside.

by Wreckard on Jun 20, 2007 10:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

"Regress to the mean"?
How do you even know what that is, when Bowen has never really gotten a chance to play with any regularity till this year?

If he were 30 (as Barrett is) I'd agree with you, but Bowen is 26.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 20, 2007 10:30 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Look at his minor league stats
He's never had the success he's had this season at any level for any sustained period of time.

I hope I'm wrong, I really do, and he comes here and  continues to hit .280 while providing above average defense behind the plate.

by Wreckard on Jun 20, 2007 10:47 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I just hope
that in 3 years we're not all complaing about our two catchers that hit .220 and we all hope for a guy that hits for average and power. Time will tell on this but we all have to be careful what we wish for. Al might be right, it was time to go. There may be more to the two fights than what we know also. And, for 3 years the papers have written about the BA with Barrett catching as opposed to Blanco, the players know this and it has to hurt. My question was that there should be a coach calling pitches, not just the catcher. Also, we had Barrett for quite a few years, did we work with him to improve or just put him out there? It's not like he appeared to never give a shit!
This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jun 20, 2007 1:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Finally Got One Right
God, I can't believe I was right about a trade.  I knew El Suckerpuncho would be out of town after being picked off one too many times and brawling with the pitching staff.  The guy was like Tanner Boyle, taking on the whole 2nd grade.  

Seriously, I liked Barrett, but his baseball IQ left a lot to be desired, especially when he plays the position that requires it. I'll miss his guts and sporadic clutch hitting, but he needed to post Piazza-esque numbers to offset his egregious offensive and defensive mistakes.  I can't wait to see the reaction of Padres' fans when Barrett overruns third base for the first time.  

"Something has to give and since there aren't 8 or 9 pitchers sitting around on the trade market, I think it has to be El Suckerpuncho." - TMOX, 6/14/07

by TMOX on Jun 20, 2007 3:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Any time you can work "Tanner Boyle"
into a post, it's gotta be a good one!

by davidalanu on Jun 20, 2007 5:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

bummed.
This was done for Lou and the clubhouse.

Our team ERA is ranked 5th in the NL. Other than San Diego and LA, no team in the NL has given up fewer runs than the Cubs. But we had to trade our catcher? Barrett had become the whipping boy and a victim of groupthink.

We need hitting and Barrett was finally starting to show some life at the plate. Not a fan of this trade, and I remain convinced that this was Lou's doing.

Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Jun 20, 2007 2:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep
I credit Lou for this move too.  Nice to see he's asserting himself in personnel decisions because Hendry's an idiot.

by cubsbak on Jun 20, 2007 2:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I know
you despise Barrett, but this is a bad trade. Barrett had a bad May and everyone piled on. Classic groupthink. This team is going to have a tough time scoring runs with Barrett gone, so everyone needs to pray that Lou's chemistry experiment doesn't blow up.
Tinker to Evers to Chance.

by Matt Allison on Jun 20, 2007 4:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't see
how Sweet Lou getting rid of a terrible catcher qualifies as "groupthink".  I know you love Barrett, but some of us who understand the game of baseball have recognized that he's been killing the Cubs for years.  I'm happy that it's finally become obvious to others on this site, but this move has nothing to do with "groupthink".  It has to do with improving the Chicago Cubs.

by cubsbak on Jun 20, 2007 5:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The decision not to re-sign Barrett
had obviously been made.  It probably came down to Piniella feeling that he needed defense and someone to work with the pitchers more than he needed Barrett's offensive potential.

Maybe it is a bit knee-jerk, but I can understand why they wanted to do this now, rather than let the situation fester until the trade deadline, hoping for a bit more in return.

by davidalanu on Jun 20, 2007 5:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This team
would have a tough time winning games with Barrett behind the plate, and that has been proven for 3+ years.  Show me a world series winner in the last decade, that didn't have a strong defensive catcher.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Jun 20, 2007 10:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Minor Leaguer Acquired: Kyler Burke
This is hearsay, but this is the rumored minor leaguer involved in the deal.

2006 first round compensation pick for the Padres.  Burke was the 35th overall pick in the draft out of Ooltewah (TN) High School.  

Kyler Burke, a big-time two-way high school baseball star, could potentially have been drafted as either a southpaw starter or as an outfielder. His senior season, however, laid any doubts to rest about his future in baseball.

Currently batting .211 in the minors.

by Swanny1981 on Jun 20, 2007 9:41 AM CDT   0 recs

Just wondering...
What do they do with all the Barrett Jerseys on tuesday June 26 "Michael Barrett Home Jersey Day" or the bobbleheads from July 1st "Michael Barrett Bobblehead Day"? Can they paint them with Padres uniforms?

by gp1966 on Jun 20, 2007 9:47 AM CDT   0 recs

i cant wait
for my rob bowen bobble head, ill put it right next to my mark prior jersey
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 20, 2007 9:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Maddux
Well I find it hard to believe he was not consulted.   I think this deal sucks.

by oldtimer on Jun 20, 2007 9:55 AM CDT   0 recs

Barrett's hitting has outweighed his defense
if he comes up with a bad hit, he has a passed ball that ruins the Cubs. He is not a catcher, hell he didn't start as a catcher, wasn't he a 3B?

by Chanman25 on Jun 20, 2007 10:11 AM CDT   0 recs

i have one problem with this
if we were going to trade barrett we could of gotten a hell of lot more for him than this. alot of AL teams would love to have him for a catcher or a DH.

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 10:21 AM CDT   0 recs

Have you watched him hit recently?
because you're wrong.  His value is = Rob Bowen basically.

by ontheuptick on Jun 20, 2007 10:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ding Ding Ding Ding
We have a winner.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 20, 2007 11:22 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Barrett's bat.....
is not solid enough for the AL/ DH position.

The value he has is as a catcher.  I am honestly shocked that any contender would have him catch and give away games.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Jun 20, 2007 10:27 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

didnt the white sox
win the world series with carl everett as the DH?  i think barretts better than carl everett.
DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 20, 2007 10:42 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The White Sox....
had no choice to go with Everett because Big Frank went down with an injury.

If a team thinks they can win with Barrett as a DH in the AL, I would like to see it.

RIP kerrysotherwife!!!!

by timeforachange on Jun 20, 2007 10:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

the white sox
had insane pitching to back a mediocre Carl "I don't believe in Dinosaurs" Everett.

Even Neal f'ing Cotts had a great year that year. Carl Everett's contributions were minimal.

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on Jun 21, 2007 9:41 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This is the market
Do you really think that Hendry would not have inquired to AL teams.  I don't see much of a market for him.  He's not much of a DH when you look at his numbers.  Also most possible playoff teams have DH's already.  Playoff teams also will not swap out catchers in mid-season.  SD is probably going to use him as a backup and pinch-hitter.  Bard will likely remain as their catcher.        

by rlpete on Jun 20, 2007 10:28 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yea this
season his numbers are bad but he was our only  hitter last season. the man has issues in his head but i think a change of senery(sp) will hel him. and him catching a rotation full of vets he doesnt have to do much.

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 10:34 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Did Barrett
have any kind of no-trade clause in his contract that would give him some say in where he goes.  It looks like he'll be starting a majority of the games ahead of Bard in San Diego, which (I presume) Barrett would want over being a DH.

by Rev Gunia on Jun 20, 2007 12:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep
Hendry did well in this deal.  I was hoping the Cubs would move Barrett for a defensive-minded catcher in the offseason.  Better late than never.  

by cubsbak on Jun 20, 2007 10:33 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he
is a free agent after the year. you cant trade him

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 10:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I meant they should've moved him last
offseason.  Like I said, better late than never.

by cubsbak on Jun 20, 2007 10:37 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

OK, raise your hand.
Raise your hand if you've been whining about Barrett for weeks and have wanted him traded for anything, and now are whining because you're not satisfied for anything less than Barrett for one of the best setup guys in the league.  

Give me a break.  You people (by "you people", I'm referring to those who are reading this and KNOW that I am talking to them) are unbelievable, I don't think I could go a day that cynical and despondent.  Geez.  I swear sometimes I just don't understand what it takes (besides the impossible, and even that's pushing it) to make you people happy.  

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 20, 2007 11:21 AM CDT   0 recs

hand is raised
PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Jun 20, 2007 11:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

At least you can admit it.
I suppose.

by eamuscatuli1881 on Jun 20, 2007 11:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

but now that
ive read more about these guys, i have taken my hand down...
PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Jun 20, 2007 11:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I've been reading reaction over at Gaslamp
I gotta say I have lost quite a bit of respect for the group of fans they have over there. Quite a few classless comments pointed our direction. Really dissapointing stuff.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Jun 20, 2007 11:36 AM CDT   0 recs

yeahh
i noticed that too . . .

by CZ38 on Jun 20, 2007 11:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

my comments made their way back to the gaslamp
I explained myself over there and should probably do the same over here. I overreacted. Pure and simple. There was one comment I didn't appreciate but overall it's been fine over there.
AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Jun 20, 2007 1:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Aww, but my angry mob was already assembled...
...we had the torches lit and everything.
Your 2007 Chicago Cubs: We Keep Life Interesting

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 20, 2007 2:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That's normal.
They are a bunch of punks, who'd rather write about Brian Giles' nudity than baseball. A strange group, and I have given up posting. I've taken the usual crap from the youngsters that operate the blog and their posters, so I asked to have my account deleted.

I'm interested in baseball, not if Brian Giles walks abound naked a lot. That site kinds gives me the creeps.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jun 21, 2007 12:59 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ill miss you barrett
i no longer get to see barretts controversies in cubbie blue, i predicted two more fights for him...by the way, does he keep his project 3000 pledge?

by kid burris on Jun 20, 2007 11:42 AM CDT   0 recs

i also seen
there are 2 barrett promos coming up in the next couple of weeks. lol what will happen with that

by tbizzle83 on Jun 20, 2007 11:48 AM CDT   0 recs

Those with barrett jerseys
now simply have Hawk jerseys.  Simple right?
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 20, 2007 11:53 AM CDT   0 recs

They needed bullpen help.
Well, with Barrett a free agent after the season you knew he was gone because with Koyie Hill coming into his own, there was no way in hell they were going to pay Michael what he wanted.  His on-field performance, especially defensively and running the bases only reinforced the fact that this was his last year in Chicago.  And the fact that he had publicly alienated 40% of this starting rotation (and that's only the ones we know about) sealed his fate.  

My question is, although I know the bullpen has been better as of late, why would the Cubs not try to get another quality bullpen arm in the deal?  OK, a backup catcher is fine, but I would have insisted on another pitcher too....even a minor league guy.  Oh well.  

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Jun 20, 2007 11:55 AM CDT   0 recs

Yes Koyie's .160 BA
shows he is coming into his own.  Hill is a backup at best.  The Cubs only hope is Soto.  

As for a bullpen pitcher.  Hendry probably asked and SD said no.  Hendry was stuck if he really needed to get rid of Barrett.  

by rlpete on Jun 20, 2007 1:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed on the bullpen thing...
I never understand why people get so worked up about what we get in return for players simply because the players don't net what those fans' inflated value of the player was.

One of Hendry's failings has been that he's never been good at evaluating players.  This manifests itself in many ways, one of which is not knowing when to trade a player.  He has waited to long to trade several players in the recent past: Patterson, Prior, Cruz, Jones, Dopirak, etc.  Those players either wound up getting traded for scraps or wound up never being traded at all and festering within the Cubs organization.  Barrett appears to be another example of Hendry's ineptitude at timing trades so that he's not "selling low."

by SouthernCub on Jun 20, 2007 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep
Couldn't agree more.  Many of us were begging Hendry to dump Barrett last season when he was hitting well and probably had more value, at least to an AL club.

by cubsbak on Jun 20, 2007 2:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Okay wait
won't Bowen be the starting catcher?  Hill, IMHO, has stunk offensively.  I would rather see Bowen given the chance to start.
MMMMM...Hebrew National

by Kinky Reggae on Jun 20, 2007 12:06 PM CDT   0 recs