Bye Bye Barrett
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by user Romiezzo
Chicago Cubs' catcher (or should I say former Chicago Cubs' catcher) Michael Barrett was traded to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday (June 20th) . In return for giving will receive former backup catcher for the Padres, Rob Bowen as well as a minor league pitcher and some extra cash.
- Source: ESPN Magazine's Buster Olney
Barrett 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.
Barrett is hitting .256 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs for the Cubs. San Diego's regular catcher, Josh Bard, is hitting .253 with two homers and 19 RBIs.
Bowen has appeared in 30 games and is hitting .268 (22-82) with two home runs and 11 RBIs. In a recent start June 17 against the Cubs, he went 2-for-4 with a home run.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
