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Michael Barrett

Rosenthal’s Latest: Bonds, Nathan, Barrett

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Ken Rosenthal has a new rumor column up.  Feels like it’s been a while.

  • Rosenthal thinks it’s a sign of desperation that the Angels would entertain signing Barry Bonds, who doesn’t fit in with their club.  His OBP would fit in anywhere, but he would tie up the DH spot at the expense of Juan Rivera and Vladimir Guerrero.
  • The Cubs are expected to bring Daryle Ward back at $1.2MM (makes sense) and Steve Trachsel at $4.75MM (questionable).  Cubs fans can only hope Trachsel would be considered a tradeable asset, as Rosenthal opines.  Rosenthal also quashes the idea of trading Aramis Ramirez, both because of his full no-trade clause and the team’s impending sale. 
  • David Eckstein is expected to leave the Cardinals, no big surprise.  Rosenthal reiterates recent rumors connecting him to the White Sox, Tigers, and Mets.
  • Rosenthal’s idea for Bill Smith and the Twins: keep Johan Santana this winter, and instead trade the $6MM super-closer Joe Nathan.  Teams would line up for him, and Pat Neshek wouldn’t be a bad replacement.
  • Do you think Michael Barrett could be a free agent bargain?  Rosenthal talked to one exec who feels this way, and it is a good point if he can bounce back to .280/.350/.480 for five million bucks.

Michael Barrett Traded To Padres

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According to Buster Olney, Michael Barrett has just been traded to the Padres.  The Padres will also receive cash in the deal.  Ken Rosenthal believes the amount of cash is greater than $1MM, since it needs approval from the commissioner’s office.  In return, the Cubs received backup catcher Rob Bowen and a young outfielder named Kyler Burke. 

Burke, 19, was drafted 35th overall out of high school last year based on his huge power potential and athleticism.  He hasn’t shown anything against pro pitching yet.  Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus says Burke has an "enormous ceiling" with a strong right field arm.  This is an upside play by Jim Hendry – Burke could be a star or a complete bust.

Bowen will provide the Cubs a mostly defensive-minded backstop, although that’s what they have already.  He was once seen as a future starter as a Twins minor leaguer, but his bat never panned out.  Bowen has teamed up with Henry Blanco before, when both were Twins.  Bowen was a waiver claim for his last two teams, so that gives you an idea of his value.  On the plus side, he’s speedy for a catcher and a switch-hitter.

The Padres, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their offense in the present and Barrett should be able to help despite his poor start to 2007.  I’m not too worried about chemistry issues despite Barrett’s recent incidents.  Barrett is reunited with Greg Maddux, who he caught from 2004-06.  Barrett is a free agent after the season.

Jim Hendry and Kevin Towers matched up last year, as the Cubs dumped off veterans Scott Williamson and Todd Walker to San Diego for some arms.

Cubs-Reds Griffey Rumor

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There’s a Cubs-Reds rumor making the rounds, reportedly one that originated on The Score here in Chicago.  Obviously I can’t catch all the radio rumors myself, so I rely on listeners to pass these along.  Since these rumors often spread like a game of telephone, consider this one dubious until confirmed.

The rumor hitting my inbox repeatedly: the Cubs could send Sean Marshall and Jacque Jones to the Reds for Ken Griffey Jr.  Keep in mind, this one isn’t even confirmed as a legitimate rumor.

Whether or not this rumor has any legitimacy, let’s discuss.  In Marshall I see a strong left-handed starter under the team’s control through 2011.  He’s improved his repertoire and should be a cog in the Cubs’ rotation for years.  In other words, very valuable.

Griffey is in the midst of another resurgence, but is at significant risk of injury at any given moment.  There’s a chance playing right field reduces that, but I wouldn’t bank on it.  Griffey makes $12.5MM annually through 2008, plus he’ll be owed a $4MM buyout for 2009.  When I began writing this I thought Junior’s contract was a lot worse.  It’s really not terrible and would be somewhat offset by Jacque Jones.  I can see Griffey approving a trade to Chicago, though he could ask for his contract to be guaranteed through ’09.

I can see how one could consider this trade fair.  I wouldn’t trade Marshall for the risk of Griffey, but it doesn’t sound absurd.  I still don’t see it happening – why would the Cubs take a hit in the rotation to add more offense?  The Cubs have a strong rotation and will need Marshall over the next several seasons.  It seems more logical for the Cubs to add a reliever.

Meanwhile, CubDumb reports that the Cubs are actively shopping Michael Barrett right now.  While this might aid the pitching staff, it would likely weaken the offense.

Rosenthal’s Latest Video

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Ken Rosenthal has a new video up at FOXSports.com for your viewing pleasure.  My summary:

  • As you know, Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka are drawing strong interest across baseball.  The only team named by Rosenthal is the Yankees, and in a roundabout way.  He simply said that the Rangers have been scouting the Yanks. 
  • Both the Dodgers and Angels would love to add a power-hitting third baseman.  The problem is, there’s not much about there.  Rosenthal says Troy Glaus, Mike Lowell, and Miguel Cabrera are all currently unavailable.  One who might become available and could play third is Miguel Tejada.  My own speculation on some possible second-tier trade candidates at third base (some long shots included): Jose Bautista, Mark Reynolds, Chad Tracy, Ty Wigginton, Melvin Mora, and Wilson Betemit. 
  • Michael Barrett could be on his way out of Chicago, mostly because of his defense.  Rosenthal names the Marlins and Rockies as interested parties.

Barrett, Zambrano Have It Out

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This is going to have trade implications.  You may have seen the video of Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett having something of a slap fight in the Cubs’ dugout today.  Something to do with a Barrett passed ball; it seems that Zambrano may have been truly ignited when Barrett gestured to the scoreboard, perhaps reminding Zambrano of the seven runs he allowed.

If the extent of it was the dugout scuffle, this would be something that could blow over.  However, the fighting spilled over to the locker room.  Lou Piniella mentions in his press conference that Barrett was sent to the hospital for a busted lip.  CubDumb, a source I trust for inside Cubs info, has found Barrett’s injuries to be far worse than a split lip.  As they say, Barrett probably wouldn’t go to the hospital for that.  If the 255 lb. Zambrano really gave Barrett a frighteningly severe beating in the locker room, he probably punched his ticket out of Chicago.

Both players are free agents after this season, and it’s certainly possible the Cubs retain neither.  Zambrano’s five-year, $85MM or so extension was tabled in April, not a bad move for the Cubs.  I don’t think Zambrano is all the sudden a worthless pitcher, but I still think his best years are behind him.  Despite his struggles, Jim Hendry could get a very useful young player or two for him this July.

Barrett’s future is in doubt, as no one as ever been thrilled with his defense or handling of the pitching staff.  I think these aspects are typically overplayed in the media, and that a catcher who hits well is worth it.  The biggest problem with trading him or letting him walk is that the Cubs have no one to replace him and the free agent market is bleak.  The Blue Jays have had interest in Barrett in the past, but are not in a position to acquire a player in his walk year.   

Bonus random thought: I do not want to see newspaper columnists continue to say the Cubs are third in the league in "hitting" because they have a .266 team batting average.  Here in 2007, we know that batting average is just a subset of on-base percentage, for which the Cubs rank eighth.  They are eighth in OBP, seventh in slugging.  Their offense has been right in the middle of the pack.

Who’s Catching For Mets In ’08?

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Paul Lo Duca’s contract is up after this season.  As you may recall, Lo Duca’s reps brought up the idea of an extension at the Winter Meetings in January, but the Mets didn’t want to discuss it yet.  Lo Duca, 35, makes $6.25MM this season.

We know catchers don’t age well; there’s a decent chance Lo Duca tanks in 2008 (if not this year).  PECOTA might throw him another $5-6MM for ’08, but that’s about it.  The Mets are right to hesitate.

Assuming they cut him loose, they could look internally for their new backstop.  Ramon Castro might be able to start, or at least serve in a platoon.  Castro, 31, has hit a respectable .247/.328/.440 with 15 HR as a Met in 352 ABs.  But while Lo Duca has gotten a lot of grief in the New York papers, it’s Castro with the true blemish on his record.  It didn’t stop the Mets from signing him initially though; such offenses are often ignored by teams. 

Interestingly, Castro could back up Ivan Rodriguez for a second time if the Mets sign him this offseason.  Castro was behind Pudge in ’03 for the Marlins.  Earlier this week, though, I predicted that the Tigers will exercise Pudge’s $13MM option, if not extend him even further.     

The two legitimate free agent options for the Mets appear to be Michael Barrett and Jorge Posada.  Barrett is five years younger, and could post his best season in 2007.  Plus, the Cubs haven’t really made any effort to extend his contract.  Jason Kendall will be out there as well, and he’d probably take a shorter-term deal. 

Michael Barrett Interview

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Yesterday, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett kindly answered some questions for MLBTradeRumors.com.  Michael has a new website up called Barrett Baseball; check it out.

What’s it like working with Lou Piniella?  Any major differences compared to years past?   

Lou is a professional. He expects a lot of stuff from everyone and that’s a good thing. It’s too early to talk about the differences between this year and last year, but everyone is really excited for the year to begin.

What do you see as the Cubs’ biggest obstacle in making the playoffs this year?

Staying healthy.

Do you have any preference as to which spot you hit in the batting order?

No, not really. I just want to help the Cubs win. Wherever Lou wants me to bat, I’m going to hit in that spot.

Based on what you’ve seen so far in camp, what are your thoughts on new additions Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis?

Those are two veterans who have been around the game for a long time and I’m very excited to work with both of them. They both came in to camp looking like they are ready to go and I can’t wait to see how they pitch in the beginning of the season. I know everyone here is happy to see them both.

Do you ever say anything to opposing hitters to rattle their cages?

I don’t like throwing gas on the fire. If I say anything, the hitter ends up turning that against me and hits a home run. If I say anything, it gets them more excited and focused on performing well. If anything, I’ll say something to the pitcher.

What’s the best clubhouse prank you’ve seen?

Will Ohman walked out of the Cubs clubhouse after a game to find his Yukon on cinderblocks, courtesy of Ryan Dempster. Greatest prank ever.

Michael Barrett On The Block?

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Here’s an interesting tidbit buried in a Giants notes column: the Cubs "reportedly are open to the idea of trading catcher Michael Barrett for pitching help."  I can’t imagine they’ll part with Barrett cheaply, but does that mean they are willing to go with Henry Blanco and, say, Geovany Soto behind the plate?

One thing is for sure: there isn’t much available on the free-agent market.  I suppose that if Barrett brought a decent return, a Mike Piazza-Blanco offense-defense platoon might make some sense for the Cubs; beyond that, the options are a bunch of guys who will cost more than Barrett (last year of a $12M/3y deal) and produce less.

By Jeff Sackmann

Globe and Mail: Cubs To Move Barrett?

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The Globe and Mail is Canada’s second-largest daily newspaper.  This little tidbit from sportswriter Jeff Blair may have escaped your attention:

"My sources are telling me that the Blue Jays and Cubs could figure in a deal after the All-Star break. The Cubs are going to dump infielder Todd Walker and might also look at moving Michael Barrett — whose omission from the NL All-Star team, even though it owes much to the justifiable presence of pitcher Carlos Zambrano as the Cubs representative, is one of the injustices of the All-Star rosters. Surprising, considering his knockdown of A.J. Pierzynski was universally cheered in most clubhouses. Barrett has his fans in the Blue Jays front office."

This is the first mention I’ve heard of Barrett as a trade candidate.  The 29 year-old is having a career-best season with the bat, hitting .305/.371/.502 in 213 ABs.  The Cubs acquired Barrett from Oakland (for whom he never actually played) for Damian Miller in December of 2003.  Barrett’s current deal leaves about $8 million due for 2006-07.  According to Baseball Prospectus, that’s very similar to his true value based on projections.  They have him worth $7.25 mil during that time period.

Given that the average NL catcher is hitting .266/.323/.403 this season, Barrett’s offense is quite an asset.  However, it’s still an open question as to whether his defense cancels out most of the value.  There aren’t a ton of great stats to evaluate a catcher’s work behind the plate.  One area in which Barrett is clearly deficient is throwing out baserunners.  His 20.6% success rate this year ranks 19th out of 22 qualified catchers.  Last year he was at 23%, and in ’04 it was 24%.  Barrett’s inability to throw out basestealers could mean as many as 60 outs that a Pudge Rodriguez would’ve recorded over the course of a season.

In a normal season Barrett will probably allow 5-10 passed balls, not terribly different from the average backstop.  But those are really the only two metrics I have.  Even John Dewan’s excellent Fielding Bible doesn’t tackle the issue of catcher defense.  Let’s face it: any critique of game-calling skills would be entirely anecdotal or subjective.  Players don’t openly criticize game-calling for the most part.  And I don’t buy into the catcher ERA concept at all.

Barrett has played over 100 games at third base back in his Expo days.  Considering the very weak free agent markets for third basemen and catchers, Barrett is an excellent pickup at an affordable price.  There’s even the possibility that his hitting improves further if he’s removed from the rigors of catching.  Some possible suitors include the Rockies, Dodgers, and Padres. 

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