Scouts are buzzing that the Giants are actively looking to upgrade at backup catcher and long relief. One possibility is catcher Rob Bowen, whom the A's released Tuesday.

Baggarly suggests the Giants' trade chips include pitchers Luis Perdomo and Merkin Valdez, as well as outfielder Eugenio Velez.

A handful of catchers remain on the free agent market, including new member Josh Bard.  Tracy Ringolsby wonders if the Rockies will renew their interest in Bard.  The Marlins, however, don't appear interested according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.  The free agent market also features about a dozen relievers.

Bowen, 28, hit .176/.219/.286 in 98 plate appearances last year.

Kendall had a respectable .758 OPS in June, but his bat has been anemic otherwise.  But as signified by the questionable Michael Barrett trade, the Cubs are looking for defense at catcher. (Incidentally, Jim Hendry acquired Barrett from Beane in December of ’03 for Damian Miller).  Kendall can certainly handle the pitching staff.  And it wouldn’t be shocking to see him hit a little bit back in the NL; he rarely strikes out and knows how to draw a walk. 

The Cubs didn’t give up much here.  Bowen is a backup at best.  Blevins, a southpaw reliever, will turn 24 in September.  He’s been dominant in 53 innings between High A and Double A, but he’s not anyone’s idea of a top prospect.  I like the move for the Cubs.  As for Oakland, it gives them a chance to try Kurt Suzuki full-time for a few months as an audition for 2008.

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.