Cubs Trade Michael Barrett to San Diego

Didn't see that coming.

That said, I have mixed feelings on Barrett. He had been a very good - and very consistent - offensive catcher since he got to the Cubs. That's unusual - the Cubs haven't had a good-hitting everyday catcher since the Rick Wilkins glory days. And those did not last long, sadly. Very sadly.

But he seems to have gotten worse behind the plate as time has gone on, and now that his offense has slipped, that's become a huge problem. He hardly seems to be able to do anything right back there anymore. A good example - the bunt hit last night by Gerald Laird. That ball barely made it onto the infield grass. I thought it should have been a fairly easy play by Barrett, but he was nowhere to be found. Marshall had to go get it, and by the time he got there, he didn't have a play. I didn't see the replay (I was at the game), but I don't think Barrett even moved.

So, like I said, mixed feelings. I'm sad to see him go, but I think a swap for Bowen is actually a pretty good deal for Hendry. He's an interesting player, with a track record of some success in the minors (although not lately).

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