Bye Bye Barrett

The worst kept secret in Chicago, Michael Barrett has been traded. The destination, however, was a question, and the answer is San Diego. The frickin' Pads. Great. Funny how the comments are he's reunited with his ex-Cub pitcher Greg Maddux. Ummm... Yeah, you mean the Greg Maddux he didn't catch for? Greg had his own "personal" catcher, our boy Hank, meaning, Mike, you can't call a game.

Good luck in San Diego. He's on pace for a career high in home runs. Maybe he'll slap one or two right away and get some support, but who cares. What's important is Lou and Jim got rid of a clubhouse problem, did it quickly, and got a decent return for him.

Who's Rob Bowen (besides a guy with a really goofy bio pic)? He's about five years younger than Barrett to start with. This year, Bowen's hitting .268/.371/.439 with 2 HR, 11 RBI, 13 BB, 28 K in 82 AB. Michael hit .256/.307/.427 with 9 HR, 29 RBI, 17 BB, 36 K in 211 AB. I'd call that even. If fact, I'd lean toward advantage Cubs, considering the recent clubhouse problems surrounding Mr. Barrett, and that the Cubs also landed a 19 year old Minor Leaguer, Kyler Burke. Who is Burke? He's hitting just above .200, is a lefty who can't yet hit lefties, so don't expect to hear his name again for a few years (if ever).

But, the point being, they didn't do what the Old Idiot Cubs would have done and bury their head in the sand, act like there isn't a freakin' pink elephant in the room. And, to make things worse, they then would have let Michael walk into free agency without getting a damn thing for him. This time around, they actually got some goods for him, and I think they did a good job, especially considering the whole league knew they had to deal the guy.

Bye Bye Barrett. Adieu, Adieu, parting is such sweet sorrow.

You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.

Go Cubs!

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