Barrett's gone

Honestly I'm not surprised either. I'm actually a little excited. Not because I think Bowen is a great player or anything, but because I always thought Barrett was a liability behind the plate. Barrett was acquired for his offense and he has been an above average catcher in terms of his bat. His numbers at the plate are down this year so that makes his deficiencies in other areas glaring. I never liked the way he called a game. He makes too many mental gaffes in a game (at least this year) And he never was great at throwing out runners.

Bottom line is I think this is an addition by subtraction. The numbers that Hill and Bowen are producing this year are comprable to Barrett's offense so far this year. I think the real benefit will be how the pitchers respond to these two (and Blanco, if his neck ever heals) calling a game. Bottom line is they can't be worse than Barrett and there will be no more distractions regarding when will the next Barrett "confrontation" with his own team mates occur...

This team needs to get on the same page to start winning consistently. Barrett was not the cause of all of the team problems, but his distractions have hurt this team. And when you have a shuffle of players going in and out of the lineup (Jones, Floyd, Theriot, Fontenot, DeRosa etc...) you want to see some stability from the obvious starters (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, and Barrett.) If the veterans produce a stable, consistent and professional manner, the younger players and the ones jockeying for playing time find it easier to fall in line. The Derek Lee incident/fight I think is a by product of a team that is losing or lost its focus. Baretts issues this year have not helped. I don't think he has caused this loss of focus but, simply piled on. And quite honestly it didn't look like it was going to improve. He had to go.

I don't know anything about Bowen, but I think this may be a case of the devil you don't know being better than the devil you know.

Well, the Barrett apologists will now be apologizing to Chris Young, Greg Maddux and Trevor Hoffman, I guess. Sometimes moves have to be made. It seems sad to part with a player who has such strong offensive potential, but Barrett obviously wasn't cutting it with the Cubs anymore. The details of the move tell me that Lou must have been heavily involved in the decision. Basically they traded Barrett for a career backup Catcher with a reputation for having a weak arm (at least according to Len and Bob during broadcasts), and a single-A player (anyone have more info on this guy?). Barrett has always been one of Hendry's pet players. It's doubtful he'd have let Barrett go so cheaply if he hadn't been pressured by Lou. Perhaps members of the pitching staff, or even Larry Rothschild may have also influenced Hendry's decision?

In any event, you have to question a guy who has played so poorly in a contract year. Not just the low batting average, but the mental mistakes, both behind the plate and on the basepaths, were killing the team. To top it off, the dust-ups with teammates were inexcusable. If he were a kid, poor grades plus "doesn't play well with others" would have him shipped off to the "special" school.

I like the way Koyie Hill calls a game, though for a guy who was hitting over .300 in AAA ball, he sure didn't come up hot at the plate. I don't know too much about Bowen, but based on the Padres' pitching performances against the Cubs he seems to call a good game as well. Hopefully Hank White returns from the DL soon, and with a hot bat. I've always liked Blanco as a defensive Catcher, and also as a timely hitter (which is often more important than having a higher batting average, or a moderate HR total, a la Barrett). The Cubs are taking a risk with these three as their only options, but it wasn't working the way things were, so I applaud Hendry for doing something rather than staying the course.

My girlfriend and I, being die hard Cubs Fans all our lives had this year made the decision to purchase tickets to the 6 games where the Cubs are giving away Bobble Heads. We have already obtained newbie's Lou Pinella and Alfonso Soriano and were so looking forward to picking up Michael Barrett's Bobble Head next Sunday July 1st. Now what are we to do ? There is no doubt these 10,000 bobble heads are sitting in a warehouse somewhere awaiting a meeting with a giant compactor.

I think the Cubs should still give this bobble head out to the fans who thought Barrett was a good player for the Cubbies.

Just thought you would like to know. :-)

Sorry for answering my own post here, but I got curious and did some research. The minor leaguer in this deal as Kyler Burke. I looked him up on the Padres' site, and basically it appears that he's the very definition of "low-level prospect." Far as I can tell he's in his second season of single-A ball. This year he's hitting a team-low .211 in 62 games, while last year he hit all of .209 in 45 games. Hopefully the Padres gave Hendry something else to make the deal worthwhile. Something. Maybe a case of microbrew or a large bag of extra-crunchy jalapeno chips. Anything.

This essentially proves the Cubs were much more peeved at Barrett than they were letting on. Maybe the Rich Hill "batting practice" debacle the other day (in which even Greg Maddux was drilling every darned pitch, and the Padres were severely razzing anyone who didn't reach at least the warning track) had something to do with it. Supposedly the last time out Hill and Barrett were arguing over pitch selection, which is the Catcher's duty as much as the Pitcher's. For the same duo to have such a poor outing in their next game together is highly conspicuous. Could that game have been the proverbial last straw for Michael?

We'll see how well this trade plays out in a few games. Can Hill be a full time catcher and produce some runs? Is Blanco healthy enough? I could see the trade coming but I thought maybe with the D-Lee suspension coming they may wait a bit but I guess now is as good as time an any. Now it is time to get a rid of Jones. Maybe for a guy that can hit with the bases loaded? I am also wondering why they didn't try to go after the Georgia Tech catcher if they were thinking of trading Barrett? Then again it is the Cubs.

I like Michael a lot, and I'm sorry to see him go.

But maybe I won't have to sit through the Barrett/Dye "Wake Up to McDonald's" commercials five times a game now?

Barrett was a definite headcase and though he was not the sole cause of issues on this team, he had to go. Anyone remember the run-in with Roy Oswalt? How about the one with Dave Roberts? That one was very telling of Michael's character. How do you confront a guy who is playing hustle ball for his team? The other team is trying to beat you. It's their job. It's called competition. Michael tried to be a good team guy, what with giving Nomar his number "5" 2-3 years ago and trying to deflect criticism that has been all too frequent lately, but you have to "be a pro", as Kendal Gill once said to Eddy Curry.

Those things aside, isn't Lou Piniella part of the problem? How many times must you shuffle a line-up before you realize that sometimes you just have to let the sediments settle? C'mon, dude. Show some faith in something because soon all faith in you will be lost, too.

I really like Barrett and am sorry to see him go. He did something that many of us have only dreamed of...poppen a White Sox player right in the kisser. I wish him great success in San Diego...it seems that's where all our best players end up.

It's as simple as this: A winning team has to be strong up the middle, especially behind the plate. This is why Pie is in CF and why Barrett is gone. Looking back, Hendry could have signed Ivan Rodriguez, but instead went with Barrett. Barrett never developed as anticipated, and Rodriquez' performance with Detroit has been stellar.

It's funny that Barrett gets traded as Sam-me Sosa is in town, another player that wore out his welcome.

Roman responds: Sam-me is in Texas.

I seen this coming as recently as Sunday, and I replaced Barret on my fantasy teams with John Buck. Alot of speculation on what the Cubs will do now...but I will take a "catcher combo" of Hill and Bowen, and be happy with that, as long as the pitchers pitch like they have with Hill behind the plate. Pitchers have never been comfortable with Barrett, starting with Prior back in 2004. And, by the way, while we fret over this trade, more soldiers are dying in Iraq, and hundreds of illegal aliens are crossing our border. So it goes....

Just a Padres fan checking in to give you some scoop on Bowen. We all loved him here, and I think you will too. Problem is, we loved him as our backup. Not sure what he will do as a starter for you guys. When he gets at-bats, he has performed admirably. Switch-hitter, and actually quite clutch.
The Padres definitely got a better deal than they normally would have, which is a result of the Cubbies tensions right now, obviously. But this isnt a fleecing. Bowen is solid.

Roman responds: Thanks for the insight. Does your take reflect the general buzz out there?

The trade was horrible. Bowen is no better behind the plate and cant hit half as good as MB. It's just very sad to see a guy who loved being on the Cubs just be given away. His fire may have got the best of him at times, but I'd rather see that than players looking like they couldnt care less. Forever A Barrett Fan!!!

Cub Fans:

You may recall that it was the Roy Oswalt/Michael Barrett situation in August of 2004 that: (i) ignited the Astros (who were dead in the water at the time) to overtake the Cubs (who had a comfortable lead in the wild card race one year after almost making it to the World Series); and (ii) ignited the backlash against Steve Stone, whose commentary on the incident favored Oswalt.

The Astros caught fire, made it within one game of the World Series, Carlos Beltran got $120M from the Mets, Steve Stone got fired/quit and the Cubs haven't been the same since.

Peter - in Houston

At some point Jim Hendry will be held accountable for all the deals he's made over the last few years in an attempt to get back to the playoffs. Since the flame-out against the Marlins back in '03, Hendry has tried mightily to find the magic again. Not only has he signed all kinds of free agents and retreads to the roster, he's also added in a couple of great managers, only to see Dusty Baker decide TV is a pretty cool gig, and Lou Pinella have a mini-breakdown on the field. The Cubs problem has always been a roster with either too many spare parts or too many inexperienced players. Hendry's at it again this year with too many outfielders, although this roster is a bit more flexible than those of the past few years. While I may be have been more forgiving previously, there is no doubt the Cubs problems stem from the inability of the front office to develop talent from within and add to it the right players from trades and free agency. Without the stability of a core of players who grew up together in the minor leagues, it's difficult to find and sustain any sort of success in MLB.

i liked barrett the last couple of years, but the cubs had to get rid of him. he got into fights with two pitchers, has a terrible arm and his numbers were falling of at age 31. the cubs got back a switch-hitting catcher who's five years younger than barrett and a supplemental first round pick from two years ago, so i don't think its a bad trade at all.

There always has to be a scapegoat, and this year it's Barrett. He's been given way too much blame for the Cubs woes. I think the Cubs are a better team w/Barrett than w/out, so I for one think they just made the team worse. Not a good move considering the team is still alive in a weak division.

da fact is BARRRTT could not throw out a 90 year old man stealing second base.GOOD BYE 2 YOU. co cubs,

It's funny to read how everyone is so excited to get rid of Barrett, and how everyone knows exactly what Lou and the rest of the club is saying inside the clubhouse. While I agree that Barrett was having a tough year so far, I'm definitely not in favor of the situation that is presented now. It'll only be a matter of time that some brilliant blogger will say, a team has to get more production than a .220 batting avg. from their catcher. When that happens, it'll replace the saying of the year, "a team has to be strong defensively up the middle to win".

Is there a pattern here? A few years ago, after a few pitchers complained, they canned the broadcasters for Pete's sake!

Why could we not trade him to someone for some bullpen help!!

WHY?

WHY?

WHY?

WHY?

We now have 3 cathers with 0 offensive potential and our bullpen remains weak. Someone would have give us a stud reliever for barrett for sure.

I sure hope now they have gotten rid of Michael Barrett, the supposed problem, they sign Zambrano to a contract extension. Wouldn't it be a waste to get rid of Barrett and lose Zambrano? I sure think so. It also seems that we do get the short end of trades lately. I understand that Bowen is a young guy, but Barrett had proven himself offensively, and we are really going to miss that. We may not miss his defense, but his offense will be sorely missed. I liked Barrett a lot, but it seemed like something had to happen and it must have had to happen to him. Good luck in San Diego!

The Cubs organization and their fans are nothing but a bunch of losers. Barrett was perfect for the Cubs due to his clownish act and horrible play at times. Cubs fans loved it when he punched guys out, but now they're glad to see him go because of his defensive play and in-your-face attitude. Fair weather fans...but then again, most of the idiots showing up at Wrigley Field aren't "fans" in the true sense of the word...they just want to be seen on TV and by their friends, want to spend $40 on a ticket, then another $50 on beer so that they can get trashed while yapping on their cell phone the entire game, throwing out a bunch of loud swear words to act "cool", etc.

stupid stupid move.. . now i'll agree that my guy Barrett prolly had to go, but you dont trade the best hitting catcher in the NL over the last 3-4 years for a backup catcher and Minor League OF who is hitting .211 right now, oh and they also are paying 1.5 mil of barretts contract......... reallyy stupid.

All I have to say is Tony G is a retard white sox fan. Enjoying your bullpen this year?

Tony G

I have to the other major stadiums, boston, both new york teams, Detroit, and a few out west. Cub fans a probably the most true fans that I have ever seend. I mean why is Miller Park called the home away from home. Last night most of the fans in Texas were Cub fans. You have to be kidding me! I have been to atleast 10 games at Wrigley and by far the best experiance I have ever had. Why do you think the continue to sell out when they have a bad year. Just wondering are you a pissed off White Sox fan? The last time I think a trade worked in the Cubs favor was 2003. That would be the last time the Cubs got any value.

I love(d) Barrett, but problems between a pitching staff and the starting catcher had to be resolved. Because you can’t trade a pitching staff, you can trade a catcher, and the Cubs just did (regardless of what little they may have gotten in return).

This was a shrewd move by a contending team with their eyes on the ultimate prize in baseball. That contending team in this deal? The Padres.

I love(d) Barrett, but problems between a pitching staff and the starting catcher had to be resolved. Because you can’t trade a pitching staff, you can trade a catcher, and the Cubs just did (regardless of what little they may have gotten in return).

This was a shrewd move by a contending team with their eyes on the ultimate prize in baseball. That contending team in this deal? The Padres.

Donna - I feel your pain. Why do we need 3 catchers? Barret was a good hitter. His catching may have left something to be desired, but as I recall from this season its Cubs pitching that has hurt us most. Hitting has not been a problem. We should have traded hitting for pitching, not hitting for less hitting. Way to go Hendry!!

CJ's right, we're all morons! One day, one day when we're old and tired we'll look back on his words and...and...and throw out swear words to act "cool."

**laughing**

I realize it sounds cliche', but you'd be better served focusing your "true fan" energies on your team rather than characterizing millions of Cub fans nationwide as losers. If Cub fans are guilty of anything, it's believing that we somehow have the ability to will this team to win. Good luck CJ.

Cubs Fan since first game in 1984 (and still waiting for

As I watched the Cubs this year I kept wondering where Barrett's head was at cause it did not appear to be in the game very often. Boxing and arguing aside, it looked to me like MB took a giant step backward. His catching and defense were plain bad. I was wondering if Hendry would deal him away and how bout that, he did. The writing was on the wall when he stopped catching Big Z.

Unlike the Sox fans who say that we are fairweather fans because we loved to see Barrett go after we loved having him, I am not pleased with the trade, but the one aspect that distinguishes MLB is the fact that it's a business! I love how we got a catcher that has caught for the NL (maybe MLB) ERA leading san diego padres. That is a huge plus, but, as someone mentioned, our bullpen has been our sore spot and I wish that we could have gotten some pitching help. It's a good trade, but personally, Michael Barrett will be missed because even though he got into trouble, he definately was a great addition to the Cubs on both sides of the plate

Yes, Michael Barrett is having a tough year. Most of this team could say the same. His proven track record of above average offense and decent defense, though, is being replaced with utter mediocrity. This is the curse of the scape-goat. The organization always finds someone to blame but the guy who deserves all of it: Jim Hendry. Even if pitchers are having issues with Barrett, isn't that where Lou is supposed to step in a earn his millions? Speaking of money, somebody make me understand how trading Barrett now, when his value is the lowest it's been in years, makes any sense? So we can get back $1.5 of the $300 million we wasted building this house of cards? To think we didn't even improve the weakest part of our team, the bullpen. Yeah, we needed another outfielder. Thanks, Jim. Barrett will have the last laugh, when he's in the playoffs.

I have heard from several people about Barrett possibly splitting the clubhouse and causing tension. Can anyone confirm this?

Hey South Sliders... Tough loss last night... How is Ozzie holding up? Looked like he was going to cry on the post-game interview...

I knew it was just a matter of time before Barret was going to be shipped off...but like many of the previous posters, I was surprised (more like dismayed) to see that they basically gave him away. I was hoping that maybe they can go for a three way trade wherein Saltalamacchia (Braves back-up catcher) would end up with the Cubs and Barret going somewhere else (not the Braves since they already have McCann). In watching WGN televiseed Cubs games against the Padres, I was given the impression that Bowen possessed a weak arm (much like Bard) and he seems to lack some pop as well. Oh well, I just hope that Bowen produces well enough both on the defensive end and the offensive end. One thing I will not miss though is the rash of passed balls and mental mistakes from Barret...maybe he should have just gone to the American League and try out as a DH.
Now...when can we see Jones get traded?

I am sad to see Barrett go as he was one of the few players who consistently played with passion. Unfortunately that passion got the best of him this year. The deal was obviously a fire sale for a career backup who can barely hit and barely throw out a runner and a guy who has barely broken the Mendoza line in A ball. I doubt we'll see him playing in Wrigley anytime soon. I guess Cubs management is convinced Hill can be an everyday starter.

So we traded a mediocre DH who could be an emergency catcher and is a head-case for a back-up catcher and a prospect. Sounds good to me.

Couldn't this trade have waited until after D-Lee's suspension? Everybody is pissed off right now, not just Barrett. Hendry is continuing his lopsided deals and destroying the Cubs. His picked up a team primed to win. We had the best farm system in baseball and a flotilla of potential all-stars. Less than five years later, our farm system is decimated, our all-stars are lame horses, and our roster consists of guys who are good on paper but horrible in the clutch. Heck, I could have looked up stats in a baseball encyclopedia too. Don't we have scouts for a reason?

Bottom line, Hendry has always managed for today and given no thought to maintaining a strong team through the years. I give him props for gathering talent like D-Lee, Aramis, and Alfonso; but everything else he has done has proven to be bust. Here's to your job searching this fall...

Sorry to see the guy go... he bled Cubbie Blue! BUT... this is best for all involved. I'd rather give up some batting average for a solid defensive catcher that hang with him.

As for an earlier comment... I totally agree that the real problem is Lou hasn't figured out a starting lineup that he can stick with! All this juggling has to be part of the problem.

Figure out a line up and STICK WITH IT!!

What a dumb move by the Cubs. We didn't even get anything for Barrett. In fact we paid money to the "Madres" to take him. Why did we do that for? It sounds like somebody dropped the ball, and for once it wasn't Barrett. At least we could have gotten some talent out of San Diegos bullpen. But NO, the management screwed the Cubs as a team. Taking an above average bat out of the line up and bringing on more mediocrity.

Poor Michael Barrett. He goes from a losing team in the NL Central that plays in lousy weather half the year to the leading team in the West that's located in the nicest city in the country. I should be so lucky.

Why is it that there are repeated posts by some pea brain White Sox fans? It's quite obvious that they are JEALOUS! Even when we lose the team is supported and adored worldwide. Why can't the city of Chicago trade the Sox to Gary, Indiana (for free) so that a worthless franchise can be out of our otherwise amazing sports city?
Now to the point at hand,

Barrett probably needed a change of scenery. I liked his fire-type attitude but he is a poor defensive catcher. We just got younger and probably made big Z a lifelong Cubbie (we can only hope right?)

A Cubs fan from womb to tomb!!!!!!

On the surface cubs appear to be on short end of deal. But wanted cubs to trade Barrett & Jones for a long time. This is Barrett's final year of contract & most likely he wasn't going to sign with cubs again. Not to mention Barrett's mlb leading in pass balls, base running goofs & other errors ..whatever good Barrett did he turned it around with his poor defense/running. Barrett's fighting with teammates certainly didn't help either.Bowen doesn't have a great arm but for a catcher he certainly can hold his own at the plate. Something for Barrett is better than hardly nothing at seasons end. Now get rid of Jacque Jones & this time strengthen the bullpen!As for Barrett I certainly won't miss him as a fan.

Buzz, San Diego is not that great! I'm in San Diego maybe 2-3 times a week. Weather great but that's about it! If Chicago had California weather I would not of moved here. As for Barrett glad he's gone. He led mlb in pass balls & base running goofs .Not to mention fights with teammates & cross town rivals.

I'm almost more interested in finding out what cubs fans think of swing wild Lee. Lee came up in the padres system and I've always liked him, but I think his actions were somewhat bush. I personally thought he should take more responsibility to save face, but ... ? ... Having said that, I personally think this trade will be good for both teams. I've always heard good things regarding Barrett, accept for lately, and in return I like Bowen alot. He will add a solid, young, good character back up to the team. I'm sure most cub fans were looking for a little more, but it seems like you take a problem out of the clubhouse and that is probably worth it unto itself. You have no need for hitters, and lets face it, no ones giving away quality relievers for problem makers. .... Last but not least please tell all your transplant relatives in San Diego to please go home. No one eating Chicago Dogs on the beach. East coast mentality is screwing up our sleepy town folks.

Barrett may have been this year's problem, but it's Hendry who's the REAL problem here. Replace him with someone like Jocketty in St. Louis and worry no more.

what does the Z have to say about the DEAL ??

AS I WATCH SAMMY HIT HIS CAREER 600 I CANT BUT HELP THINK. WHY DID WE EVER LET HIM GO.

MAN.I MISS THAT DUDE!

This is an interesting read, to say the least.

Some guy named WTSW is wondering about the bobble-head dolls, and is lamenting their destruction. I heard that they are all going to be converted to Katherine Hepburn bobble-heads, as redundant as that may seem. Perhaps WTSW can get one for his collection. At least Katherine Hepburn won an oscar during my lifetime, even an oscar nomination would be the equivlent of more than the Cubs have achieved in my lifetime. I was born in 1952, which makes me too young to haved experienced the "golden years." Too young for social security, too young for medicare, too young to have seen this team win. Maybe I'm missing the boat. Maybe collecting bobble-heads would be a more rewarding pursuit than continually rooting for a loser.

A couple of years ago I was sitting in a sports bar and some people at the bar announced that they had Cubs tickets for the next day. One guy asked me who was singing for the 7th inning stretch. I told him who was pitching, but he wasn't interested. I think about this when my meds aren't working, which is pretty often these days.

So, bye-bye Michael. We will miss you and your bobble-head doll. I no longer remember that you are fundamentally unsound behind the plate and on the bases, that you are ineffectual in throwing out runners, that you seem eager to engage in violence with your beloved team mates, and that a team that you spent 4 years with paid 1.5 million dollars to get rid of you. Thanks to WTSW, the only picture of you that my mind will allow is your head bobbling as "Big Z" (another Cub from the Bizzaro World) pummeled you in the clubhouse.

At the end of the season the new management will straighten things out. Hopefully they'll get new announcers, make some new bobble-heads, march Wood and Prior out and tell us they're fine, get Jim Belushi to sing Take Me Out To The Ball Game, trade Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio, find Amelia Earheart, fix global warming, spend millions of dollars marketing tickets to people who would show up at games anyway, in other words, stay Cublike.

I am officially off the bus. I might move to Anaheim.

look guys its simple Jim Hendry an idiot. Lokk at the last couple of major trades he has made they have not worked out. 1. The Sammy Sosa trade, we don't even have what baltimore gave us, but Corey Patterson is doing just fine for them, and Sammy doing the same for Texas. 2. Nomar Garciaparra was hurt the whole time he was here and then once we let him go he does great things for LA. 3. Juan Pierre sucked when he came here point blank. 4. LaTroy Hawkins does not even need any explaining. 5. So far the Soriano trade is a work in progress but its not what they were looking . for. 6. Greg Maddux-Cesar Izturis trade, Cesars on the bench.

Screw Barrett!
He can take his sorry a$$ right on out of here.
No matter how much the Sox may suck THIS year...the sCrUBS will ALWAYS SUCK!!!

Hey - Dan Power - Tony G. is not the retard, you are. We don't have time to worry about the bull pen - we are still celebrating the world series. You see, this is a feeling that doesn't dissapear in just 2 short years. Although you being a CHUMPS fan wouldn't know anything about. Michael Barret is a punk who needs to take classes on baseball etiquette. Now that he is on a winning team, maybe his manners will improve.

That didn't take long. Suprised they didn't trade him to Orioles where most cubs castoffs wind up. Wonder if thats where Mcdonnough and hendry will wind up.

Maybe barret will take up surfing, he seems to have the right makeup for it. Sandiego is a scrappy team so he should fit in there. The town isn't bad, basically a suburb of Tiajuana with a navy base and a lot of overpriced real estate.

Well, the cubs still have three or four more moves to make if they are serious about improving the team and trying to win this year. Otherwise may as well just play the kids and see what deals you can make for the veterans other than lee and maybe a couple of pitchers.

God Cub fans make me ill.
Getting all misty eyes over this mediocre loser while bashing the guy who hit over 500 HRs for you.
Clueless does not begin to describe you.

I don't want to hear about how a guy "calls" a game. The pithcing coach and manager has as much to do with what is thrown and where then a catcher. A pitcher can shake him off. I think they gave into Zambrano wants, rather than a sound baseball move. Doesn't this move say more about Lou Pinella and Larry Rothschild even Zambrano or Rich Hill. Everybody involved blamed Barrett. The pitchers who threw the pitch and management who gave Barrett the scouting reports and gameplans for attacking hitters in the zone. Sad days I think are ahead for the Cubs again. Thank you Jim Hendry and now Lou Pinella.

Let's not forget he was a converted third basemen....in fact I remember Thom Brenamen's( I mis-spelled his last name)praise all the time on how much he had improved his defensive skills, back when he arrived in CHicago. Did he really have a relapse? Why couldn't the cubbies put him at third with Aramis hurt? Maybe it was his clashes? Barret wants to win. As much as I hate to admit it..it appears the Cubbies just want a paycheck.....When you give up your fire....it's just like raising the white flag. I don't think any Cub's fans like this trade right now. I know Greg Maddux does.

Trade talk: Hopefully the trade will help Michael. What is Lee appealing?; instead of trotting down to first base, he went out of his way to throw a punch! Meanwhile, for the myopic Cub fans tomorrow will be just another day!

In 2003, it looked like the Cubs had a team that would be in the playoffs for years to come. Fast forward to 2007, it's now a collection of over the hill outfielders, a multitude of light hitting second basemen, a trio of backup catchers and a forever DL'ed 3rd baseman. Piniella has become a Dusty clone - fill out the line-up card, sit back, and hope for the best (can somebody find Lou a toothpick to chew on?). Hendry, the genius of 2003, has morphed into Bob Barker "Let's make a deal - just to do a deal." There is no vision, and the only strategy is defined by a game of "musical chairs." I hope the new owners will clean house from the top right on down to the ushers. It is about a change in attitude.

Did the Padres get the better end of tis trade? looking at it strictly on paper yes, but if Barrett has truely been a problem with team mates (and apparently that is the case) and he has been an obvious defensive liabilty maybe what looks like on paper to be yet another Cubs give-away could be just the opposite. If team dissention disipates and over all play improves then regardless of Barrett does for the Padres it was a good trade for the Cubs.
You can have the best player in any league on your team but if he is a jerk and can't get along with team mates you're better off with lesser players that play well together. Aren't the 2005 white sox a perfect example of that?
One last comment for those sox fans that have totally trashed us Cub fans....yes we don't like your team or your park BUT many of us did get behind you in '05 and were happy to see a championship brought to Chicago even if it was on the south side.

Cubs fan from womb to tomb? Man, in your place I would write a book under the title "One Hundred Years of Platitudes."

Cubs fan from womb to tomb? Man, in your place I would write a book under the title "One Hundred Years of Platitudes."

Hey South Sliders... Tough loss last night... How is Ozzie holding up? Looked like he was going to cry on the post-game interview...

Posted by: True Cubby blue | June 20, 2007 04:44 PM
********************************************************************************
Hey North Never Winners but always Loveable Losers
(who ever heard of such non-sense? Oh the Cubbie fans do
year after year...

Tough lost last night, huh?...
Some bum you released hits historic homer number 600 against you idiots...

How is Lou holding up? oh that's right,
he still playing in the dirt building mud castles...

Did you lose a catcher or gain one?...
What the hell kinda trading your GM is doing?

Enjoy LOSERS!!!!!

I owe all Cubs fans an apology! I don't trully know if they have experienced what I feel right now, but if so - I understand how it feels now. I will never make fun of someone's anguish again.

This kind of losing is rotten! We have lost to some clubs that I could not imagine losing to. Hawk is audibly depressed and Ozzie is looking like Walter Matthau!

Cub fans - I am trully sorry...enjoy your time in the sun and be sympathetic to the Southsiders.

For the record....I was misty eyed over letting go of Sammy!

Ranks right up there with the leaving of MikeJ.

I know for us Cub fans - it's difficult to keep our emotions out of a discussion regarding just about everything with our Cubbies -but the fact is - Michael Barrett is a defensive liability behind the plate and is a very weak game caller. His offensive production was by far his greatest asset and that strength is suffering this season as well. We have a pitching staff with 2 young guys, 2 new guys and a struggling ace. San Diego has Greg Maddux, David Wells and Jake Peavy - 3 guys that simply dont need much if anything out of their catcher as they are always around the plate and have the pitching intellect and experience to throw blindfolded and be effective. This is a great move for Michael Barrett who should flourish in SD and it is just a unromantic necessary move by the Cubs with only a maybe as a result. But Barrett was not going to be resigned and right now - despite how much we think of Michael Barrett - unless a team like SD had a need for such a move right now - we were not going to get much more in return had we waited for a better offer. It is just a sad but true factual reality. Now lets root for Koyie Hill to get back to his form as a top hitting converted infielder / catcher that he was 5 years ago.

Too bad that we didn't get anything for Barrett. Say what you wnat, he is a major league catcher, ...or maybe better at first base? ugh! He may fit very well with the 'Pads and maybe will make post season money. So, anti-Barrett sayers who's the winner now???

Man, there is a lot of negativity going on here.

I agree that it would have been nice to get something more for Barrett, but the realities around the league may have made that impossible. Now we have two active switch-hitting catchers, one that can hit lefties and one that can hit righties (maybe :). Hill has looked good defensively and hopefully Bowen will do the same. At least that's something.

I disagree with Hendry on a lot of his moves. Specifically, I would have liked to see him go after some relief pitching and at least one of the premier pitchers who were available during the off-season, but he didn't do too badly. He got two decent starters and an All-Star leadoff man, and worked out a good deal with Zambrano before it was pulled out from under everyone.

In the past, he also got us Derrick Lee and Ramirez, and what about some of the others that didn't work out? Nomar got injured, which isn't Hendry's fault, and we couldn't move him to first base because we already have the best all-around first baseman in baseball. Hawkins was awesome in middle relief, compiling an ERA that I think was under two, until Dusty Baker forced him into the closing role, and he sucks as a closer (which he knew, which is why he publicly said he didn't want the job, but he got it anyway). Plus LaTroy cost 1.5 million a year or something like that. I wish we still had LaTroy in middle relief, but Dusty needed his scapegoats. I suspect that Sosa and Clement were also scapegoats for Dusty, although I base this entirely on my gut.

Hendry has made mistakes, specifically in failing to take advantage of the fact that middle relievers are cheap for what you get right now (although that may change) - I'm just not sure we would get anyone better if he was fired. Besides, he's there for now - everyone should just keep harping on him that we need some relief pitching, and another starter if possible.

I know the Cubs have been mediocre lately, but at least they are showing some fire. Witness that they came back from five runs today, even though they ended up blowing the game. Earlier in the year I would have been shocked if they came back to tie from three runs down, but now I'm starting to expect that the Cubbies will at least give it their best shot.

But please god, can we get rid of that awful song they play at the end of Cubs games at home when we win? Maybe the players are subconsciously trying to lose in Wrigley so that they don't have to hear that hokey, lame, jinxing ("the Cubs are gonna win today"), embarassment of a tune that sounds like it was written by an eight year old ADHD kid on a sugar rush. Do the Cubs have some sort of secret charity for mentally challenged musicians or something? This is so much worse than "Jump", which was pretty bad itself, but thankfully was played only on t.v. and not at the ballpark (I think).

And how about hiring at least one old drunkard for the WGN broadcasts (a la Harry Carey)? It would be nice to have some entertainment to go along with all of the dumb things the WGN announcers say. I would kill to have Santo and Hughes do the T.V. broadcasts (not because either of them are drunkards though, just because they are so much better).

I hear the Barrett bobbleheads will still be given out for the weekend game. What a perfect requiem for a guy who never had a level head.

Bye bye Barrett - thanks for the good times.

Let's go Cubbies

Barrett update..0 for 4 3k's & another pass ball.Different club same Barrett.

I hope the die hard Cub fans give this "back-up" catcher a chance. I have had the priveledge of watching this young man since birth. When I watched his first game I made the comment "this little boy will be a big league player someday" and I was right. If you follow baseball in anyway you would know he has been with both leagues--different leagues , different development styles. He has less than 200 major league career at bats- so to judge his offensive skills, well lets see how this plays out. I really think I will be saying "I told you so". As far as his defenseive skills he is solid. Calls a great game. Rob has had the opportunity to work along with some really great catchers, one who is a Cubbie right now- Henry Blanco (Minnesota Twins). He has also had the opportunity to catch for and work with future Hall of fame pitchers (Maddux, Hoffman, Peavey, Wells, Williams) and players (Piazza). I think if you ask any of these players you will hear nothing but great comments from them that are sincere. We are so proud that he is a Cub and can not wait to get back to Wrigley Field to see him play (what a great stadium). Remember the 2006 walk off homer against the Cubs and then his last game played against the Cubs as a Padre, he hit another HR. He is very patient at the plate. Give this young man a chance you won't be dissapointed, I know I never have been! Gotta go shopping now, I have to get royal blue and red to go with my new team!!!

Wow! My prediction on Barrett was about as far wrong as possible. I just hope his bat doesn't come back to bite the Cubs. I agree that it was a one-sided trade unless a heck of a lot of cash was tendered, enough to give Z. an acceptable contract.

So it turns out the cubs did retaliate for the padres' hitting DLee. Trading Barrett to them is like the gift that keeps on giving, or this time keeps retaliatin.

Wait till the padres pitching staff starts seeing their called strikes and strike outs drop, their pitch counts and eras rising and their innings per game dropping. That sure will be frustrating after the good start they all had.

And this don't even start to count Barretts passed balls, wild pitches, bad throws and bone headed baserunning. Yep, I think the Cubs got back and then some, and the Padres probably don't even know it yet, but they will sooner or later.

Mr/ms. surfolot Unfortunately I have to do business in San Diego about maybe once or twice a week. Fortunately I don't live in or near San Diego. San Diego is a wannabe big city with no character & over price attractions.I dislike San Diego so much I plan to transfer to another area so I don't have to venture down the 15 again!Classless city = San Diego! By the way ,the way folks drive in San Diego the DMV must hand out licenses without testing?? If San Diego had half the character Chicago has it would be a good city.

I couldn't have said it better Clem, but shhh! Don't let the Padres know about it. They might have spies... and remember, we hate them. A lot.

Derrick Lee rules but needs a few lessons on boxing from Zambrano. That's my only complaint. If someone purposely threw a lethal fastball within six inches of my head and hit me with it, I would punch them too if they approached me as I took my base.

Lee should have gotten no time on the suspension. Pitchers shouldn't taunt hitters after they bean them above the belt... and on the wrist for chissakes! The pitcher should get a five game suspension for hitting above the belt with intent to harm, and coming off the mound and effectively charging the baserunner, and taunting.

Go Cubs