News / Sports
Chicago Cubs Deal Catcher Michael Barrett to San Diego Padres
The Chicago Cubs sent embattled catcher Michael Barrett to the San Diego Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and Class A outfielder Kyler Burke on Wednesday.
The Cubs would also pay the Padres an undisclosed cash amount that would help defray the cost of Barrett’s $4.5 million salary. The deal requires the approval of the commissioner’s office but is expected to go through without any trouble.
While Barrett has provided the Cubs with some offensive support it has been his defense and his overall mentality that has worried Chicago. Barrett has thrown out just seven baserunners while opponents have stolen 39 bases. Barrett has also allowed eight past balls after allowing ten all of last season.
Earlier this month Barrett had an altercation with Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano after the pitcher questioned whether or not Barrett was thinking behind the plate. The two came to blows inside the dugout and then again in the team’s clubhouse.
With the move the Cubs will likely split time at the catcher position with Henry Blanco and the newly acquired Bowen.
Barrett is an attractive pick-up for the Padres who have lacked offensive production from the catching position all season. Barrett has nine homeruns and driven in 29 runs while Bowen had hit just two homeruns while driving in 11.
