Buster Olney just reported the news on Mike and Mike in the Morning that the Cubs have traded disgruntled catcher Michael Barrett to the Padres. He's not sure whom the Cubs received in exchange, but that's sure to come out shortly. This report isn't much of a surprise given all the issues the Cubs have dealt with in regards to Barrett lately.A few weeks ago, Barrett got into a fight with pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Then last week, he got into it with another teammate, starter Rich Hill. PostmanR later noted that Barrett was being put on timeout by Piniella, raising speculation that all wasn't well with the Cubs and Barrett.
This report proves a few things. One, that Zambrano, Hill, and the other pitchers win, while Barrett loses. Two, that there was something more to the comments and timeouts Piniella made for Barrett, as you might have guessed. And lastly, it looks like Michael Barrett is the real bad guy here. He sucker-punched AJ Pierzynski last year, and then got into it with two of his pitchers. I'll say this much, the Padres sure could use Michael's offense. My guess is San Diego got Barrett on the cheap. Be sure to check back to find out the terms of the trade.
UPDATE: I'm hearing now on the Padres flagship station, Double X Sports Radio, that the Padres are sending Rob Bowen, minor leaguer Kyler Burke, and some cash considerations to Chicago in exchange for Barrett.
Previously at FanHouse:
Michael Barrett Is Feeling the Heat in Chicago
Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett Fight in Dugout
Lou Piniella Is Giving Catcher Michael Barrett a Timeout
Michael Barrett News
