The Padres sure added punch to their roster today by acquiring catcher Michael Barrett from the Chicago Cubs for back-up catcher Rob Bowen and minor league outfielder Kyler Burke.But are the Padres adding punch because Barrett is now tied for second on the team with nine home runs?
Or are they adding punch because Barrett duked it out with Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and had a heated discussion with starter Rich Hill, both this month?
The Padres, who also received cash considerations from the Cubs, must also remember that Barrett landed a punch to the jaw of A.J. Pierzynski after the White Sox catcher ran him over at home plate in May 2006. Barrett was suspended 10 games; Pierzynski was fined.
Barrett adds a defensive element that has been missing in San Diego. Although the Padres say they are not concerned by opponents successfully stealing bases close to 90 percent of the time on them, that broken record has to be getting old.
The Padres may very well lose Barrett when he becomes a free agent after the season.
But for now, he may provide the fight they have been looking for in order to stay on top of the NL West.
1 comment:
I think it will be good for the Padres and you know why the cubs got rid of him. You can't fight with your staff ace (Zambrano) and expect to stick around long.
Barrett will give the Padres another decent bat which they need for sure.
BC, Dallas
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