CUBS, PADRES SWAP BACKSTOPS
The San Diego Padres acquired catcher Michael Barrett and cash from the Chicago Cubs for catcher Rob Bowen and outfielder Kyler Burke.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
A quality all-around backstop heads to San Diego in this deal. After something of a breakthrough season in 2006, current Padres catcher Josh Bard has struggled at the plate, so Barrett gives them an offensive upgrade, while their impressive pitching staff loses nothing with him behind the plate. In the last year of a three-year, $12 million contract, the cash will help pay the remaining salary.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
Though Barrett isn't generally known as a detriment in the clubhouse -- quite the opposite, in fact -- he had been involved with a couple of public skirmishes with his pitchers in recent weeks. This deal eliminates that tension while acquiring Bard, who has the potential to be a very Barrett-like backstop given a No. 1 job. He's four years younger than Barrett and boasts strong defensive skills, plus a little power at the plate from both sides. He figures to get a shot at running away with the No. 1 job in Chicago. Burke is a solid left-handed hitting outfield prospect with good size and the potential to hit for average and power, but has struggled terribly in the low minors.
Fantasy impact
