Sources: Barrett Dealt To Padres

So I’m sitting here, watching “Cool Runnings” and pondering what to post on a day when writing about sports just doesn’t seem fun, due to the loss of Terry Hoeppner. Then this headline flashes on my computer: “Sources: Cubs dump Barrett via trade to Padres.” Thank you Coach Hep, I always knew you were looking out for me.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Chicago Cubs had become so fed up with Michael Barrett’s antics, that they traded him to my San Diego Padres today, for backup catcher Rob Bowen, minor league outfielder Kyler Burke (who has a ton of tools but has struggled mightily after being drafted last year) and some cash. Looks like the Cubs and Padres decided to kiss and make up via this trade, after their bench clearing dust-up just four days ago.

Barrett recently got into a fist-fight with Carlos Zambrano in the Cubs dugout and then was seen yelling at Rich Hill between innings, again in the dugout. Cubs Manager Lou Piniella then said he was going to cut back on Barrett’s playing time but that it had nothing to do with the two scuffles. Sure it didn’t Lou, keep telling yourself that. This also comes a year after his famous brawl with A.J. Pierzynski at home plate. But that one was totally excusable, who hasn’t wanted to kick that guy’s ass?

I guess Barrett’s intimate moment with Zambrano wasn’t enough to save the catcher’s life in Chicago and now he’s the Padres problem. Well as much a problem as one of the best offensive catchers in the game can be. In the previous three seasons the 30-year-old Barrett has hit 16 homeruns in each, batted .287, .276, and .307 and driven in 65, 61 and 53 runs respectively. For a catcher, that’s darn good. And last season he only played in 107 games. This year so far he has nine homeruns, while hitting just .256. But, the guy can produce and the Padres need offense. Sure, the guy has a Russell Crowe-like temper but typically I like that kind of fire in a player. Plus, who can get mad when you’re living in San Diego? Trust me, it’s nearly impossible.

While Rob Bowen is a nice, versatile backup and Burke was the Padres first round compensation pick last year, Barrett can play and play now. Burke is a toolsy (man I hate myself for using that word) left-handed corner outfielder who is currently hitting just .211 in 62 games in low Class A ball.

Bottom line, the Cubs could afford to make this trade because they don’t seem to be going anywhere this season, and have a stocked farm system with players ready to contribute now. The need to make some moves and clear the roster for some younger guys.

The Padres needed another bat and got it without giving up much. The Friars also managed to keep their bullpen together through this trade, which is huge because every other trade proposal they have received asked them to give up a piece of it. San Diego has the best pitching staff in baseball right now, bar none. Their team ERA is 2.97, nearly a full 0.40 lower than second place Oakland (3.36). They also lead the majors with 11 shutouts (Oakland is second with seven). They don’t need huge offensive improvements with that staff, they just needed another contributing bat. Barrett obviously could have done with a change of scenery and he got it. Now lets hope he doesn’t take exception to any of the Giles boys’ antics.