Yet Another Rumor: This Time, It's Barrett

by cubbiejulie on Jul 5, 2006 1:44 PM CDT Comment 54 comments

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."

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.

I know there was a diary a few days back about what Barrett would bring. No mention in the "article" (and I'm using that term VERY loosely) as to what we would get for him.

Any ideas?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I got one...

Barrett to the Dodgers for Izturis.

by Chad on Jul 5, 2006 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why the hell...

would we want Izturis for Barrett (especially if Walker is thrown into the mix in addition)? That is just not good enough value for that trade. If we trade Barrett it should be for prospects, because Barrett won't net us an MLB player with similar offensive stats due to his defensive liabilities. Getting good prospects in return would be far more beneficial in the long term.

by CosmicCharlie911 on Jul 5, 2006 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Y'know, I almost do want the Cubs

to trade Barrett and Walker, just so I wont have to read the endless "Walker and Barrett are the worst defensive players" BS anymore.

by VS on Jul 5, 2006 2:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How about getting a real shortstop.

Who has won a gold glove and can hit better than Ronnie Cedeno?

How about that? Then we can get a catcher who actually can play defense.

by Chad on Jul 5, 2006 2:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it too early

to ask for a pony for Christmas?

"It's hard to put your finger on it. You have to have a dullness of mind and spirit to play here." --Jim Brosnan

by cubbiejulie on Jul 5, 2006 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very funny!!!

n/t

by DrCrawdad on Jul 5, 2006 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO!!

I loathe AJP and White Sox fans!!

by sue369 on Jul 5, 2006 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A real shortstop?

Career:

Izturis (26): .260/.294/.337
Cedeno ( 23): .273/.305/.358

And his Ranger Factor and Zone rating are barely better than Cedeno's.

by VS on Jul 5, 2006 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ronny Cedeno

Cedeno sucks. There, I said it. And I feel better for saying it. To me, he is younger version of Neifi Perez with slighly sexier batting average but also with lousier glove.

Mark my word, give Cedeno another 150 games or so and most Cub fans will be giving him the Neifinator treatment.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's fine

If you want to give a 23-year old the Neifi treatment, go right ahead. What I was pointing out was simply that Izturis sucks.

by VS on Jul 5, 2006 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I already replied to this...

..on another Al's thread.. Cedeno's numbers for last year and this year are better than both Cal Ripken and Ozzie Smith's first two years in the bigs. So before you say that someone sucks (again, you sound like a broken record), take a look in a mirror.

vote santo for h.o.f.

by santo for prez on Jul 5, 2006 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously Mike63..

...did Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken suck. You sure are good at throwing insults.(to all the players, children, handicapped people). But when faced with some hard facts you want to plead the 5th. Your remarks have about as much clout as Enron Corporation advising Merril Lynch clients.

vote santo for h.o.f.

by santo for prez on Jul 5, 2006 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

handicapped people?

n/t

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Jul 5, 2006 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The part he wrote..

..about making sure the prosthetic legs were strapped on tight.

vote santo for h.o.f.

by santo for prez on Jul 5, 2006 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ohh wow

well he's only got one target audience left before ground zero. Where's the shot on women, Mike?

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Jul 5, 2006 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Range factor and zone rating?

I'm sorry, call me when Ronnie wins a gold glove.

Also please see Izturis' stats improving every year in the majors. Oh yeah, last year's drop off? Maybe it was due to the torn ligament in his arm. I dunno, maybe that's just me.

by Chad on Jul 5, 2006 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Gold Glove, eh?

You mean you have faith in the people who gave Palmeiro a Gold Glove at 1b after he played 30 games there in 99? The same people who gave Derek Jeter two gold gloves despite being one of the worst infielders of his generation?

Please, the Gold Glove is a joke that is based purely on reputation.

"Also please see Izturis' stats improving every year in the majors"
This is Ronny's first full season (he is better than Izturis was in his first season), is there anything that leads you to believe that Ronny can't have a steady increase in offensive production as gets older as well?

by VS on Jul 5, 2006 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cesar Izturis

I trade Michael Barrett for Cesar Izturis is a nanosecond if I am the Cubs. However, I doubt there are any sea legs to this trade rumore. The Dodgers are happy with 23 year old Russ Martin, to the point they just traded away "can't miss" catching prospect Dionar Novarro to the D-Rays.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett to the Padres...

Absurd. So, probably is this entire 'rumor.'
The Pads are staying pat with what they have, which is angering the locals. Another bat would help them -- however, they don't have much to give up.

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Jul 5, 2006 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How about

I'd take a new infield rake and a semi-decent prospect for Michael Barrett. San Diego doesn't have THAT to give up?

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, they don't

after the infield rake shortage of 2005, good infield rakes are very hard to come by.

"It's hard to put your finger on it. You have to have a dullness of mind and spirit to play here." --Jim Brosnan

by cubbiejulie on Jul 5, 2006 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well then

OK, OK. Then I'll settle for a semi-decent prospect and a box of sunflower seeds to be named later for Michael Barrett.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just curious...

...but I would love to hear your grand plan for this team, because everything you suggest (sarcastic or not) ends up with the Cubs gettin taken to the woodshed.

by slink on Jul 5, 2006 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

people complain that Hendry sells when value is low and people are asking for nothing even when Barrett's value isn't low. You have to try to get the most out of things.

Sometimes I feel like what is the point of trading if we have nothing? People want to trade for nothing and bring up kids when we really don't have that much to bring up.

I know Michael Barrett is no Mike Piazza or a future HOF, but I think the Padres took Mike Piazza because they needed the offense. Maybe some other team would do the same with Barrett.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jul 5, 2006 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The right move

The right move would be to actively shop Carlos Zambrano and Derrek Lee, because those are the two commodities that have oodles of value to other teams. I'm a realist after having followed this team for 29 years of my 43 years on this planet. The Cubs are broken, and broken bad. Lets rip a page from the cash-strapped Florida Marlins and tear this thing down to bare metal. If somebody would give me 3 top notch prospects for Zambrano and another team would do the same for Lee, I seriously consider moving them as part of a master strategy of building from the ground up THE RIGHT WAY.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even the Marlins...

kept two people. Willis and Cabrera.

You all know what I think of Z, and if you don't well that's kind of sad. BUT, if you are going to get an ace among those players a good power infielder and then some extra great players(like an outfielder with some big time pop)trade them.

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jul 5, 2006 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So go w/ no foundation?

Deal off Lee and Z and they might not crack 70 wins til 2012.

by CubFaninCA on Jul 5, 2006 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Its not as if the Cub farm system is producing wondrous results, or that there are other guys on the 40 man roster with suitable trade potential. Look, I love Carlos Zambrano and Derrek Lee more than anybody. They are both truly exceptional ballplayers and model professionals. But to break this nasty little ol' 98 year losing streak, the Cub organization needs to get out of denial and break from conventional Cub ways of doing things. If there is a team that would give me three stud building blocks for either Zambrano or Lee, I seriously consider the move. It's not like this team is reasonably going anywhere in 2007, or 2008.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Liar.

You don't love Z more than anybody. Nobody can't top me. :)

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jul 5, 2006 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prove it.

My husband loves Zambrano so much ... well, it's gotten past embarrassing.

"The good news is, the Cubs have reached rock bottom. The bad news is, they've started to dig." Bob V., May 2006, WGN Baseball Blog ...

by Littlerock Rynofan on Jul 5, 2006 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha!

Neither sparkles nor your husband can match the man-love I have for Z.

by VS on Jul 5, 2006 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahem

Is your username on all discussion boards "zambranofan"? I think not.

by zambranofan on Jul 5, 2006 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"It's Z or Me,"

I tell the spouse,
"Then you're free,"
Says the louse.

"The good news is, the Cubs have reached rock bottom. The bad news is, they've started to dig." Bob V., May 2006, WGN Baseball Blog ...

by Littlerock Rynofan on Jul 5, 2006 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I really can't match your man-love, but I still love him. Do you know what day it is today? It's Venezuela's Independance Day! :)

Cubbie Blue will always sPaRkLe in my eyes, but please stop losing. PLEASE!

by sparkles721 on Jul 5, 2006 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The farm systems sucks.

which is a big reason why I keep Zambrano & lee. Can't count on the Cubs developing their own or other teams players. Get 3 studs from another farm system and the Cubs will find a way to ruin them.

I'm cool w/ dealing Ramirez & Barrett, but not Lee & Zambrano. This team would have nothing.

by CubFaninCA on Jul 5, 2006 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"THE RIGHT WAY. "...

...building from the ground the "right way" requires a solid foundation. You are talking about building a skyscraper right on a sand dune.

vote santo for h.o.f.

by santo for prez on Jul 5, 2006 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re

The right way? LMAO. This is what the Pirates would do. Trading the team's best offensive & defensive player along with its best pitcher for prospects is exactly how to guarantee the Cubs won't sniff the playoffs for at least another five years. And that's assuming that the prospects actually pan out, when it's far more likely that, at best, only a percentage will.

Noticing that the Cubs have problems that need to be addressed isn't any special skill. Knowing what to do about them is clearly a skill you don't possess, as your posts have made abundantly clear. What's next? Changing the team's name? Demolishing Wrigley? There's really not much else left for you to advocate.

Visit The Digital Gazette

by Jed Taylor on Jul 6, 2006 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeez

Jeez, being "taken to the woodshed" wouldn't exactly be like blazing new territory for this organization.

I don't adhere to the hairbrained opinion that the Cubs are only a modest tweak or two from being a quality ballclub. Rather this thing is a mess. I say blow it up and bring in somebody like a Dallas Green who knows about player scouting and development and in unafraid to make bold moves to position this ballclub for long term success.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol

Your dog must be scared to death that he's going to get kicked every time someone mentions the Cubs.

Mike63's friend: "Hey, how about those Cubs?"
Mike63: "Did you say Cubs? WHERE'S THE DOG!"
Mike63's dog: "Oh shit!!!"

by pageian on Jul 5, 2006 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

oh geez I needed that laugh.

"I respect the mind's power over the body, it's why I do what I do" - Dr. Jonathan Crane

by Faith plus 1 on Jul 5, 2006 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey,

what brought that comment out was the inane suggestion the we get one half decent prospect for Barrett. That would be the cubs gettin "taken to the woodshed" and acting out of desperation. On second thought I could see it happening, but someone with your disposition suggesting it strikes me as alarming.

by slink on Jul 5, 2006 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

are you serious........

trade lee and Z? yea the fans are gonna come to see john mabry at first base?!!!
you have to be kidding. yes you blow everything up, except lee and Z.you dont trade for prospects because somehow the cubs will mess them up. you need building blocks. you have 2.

trade barret to the jays for molina and a prospect. trade walker for something like a reliever. cut rusch and his 4.5 mill. this club needs starting pitching. right now we hav 1/5 of a starting rotation. trade Z and we hav 0/5. you cant count on prior. maddux is going to traded or retire after this year. sign lee and zito. DO SOMETHING. THIS TEAM IS GOING DOWN DOWN DOWN. hendry better make some moves or he might have an "accident"

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Jul 5, 2006 4:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Source

Whoa whoa whoa - just wanted to point out that your "favorite site" is not the source of this rumor. I was citing Jeff Blair of Toronto's Globe and Mail.

Tim

by Tim Dierkes on Jul 5, 2006 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I know you are citing someone else, Tim

But thanks for clarifying that. Sorry that I didn't make it clearer.

Your site is our favorite because it gave us so much trade fodder in the off season. Otherwise, we would have had nothing to talk about!

"It's hard to put your finger on it. You have to have a dullness of mind and spirit to play here." --Jim Brosnan

by cubbiejulie on Jul 5, 2006 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett rumor is Blue Jay generated

Cubs "we know" are dangling Todd Walker but it is Toronto that wants Barrett.

I suspect that Barrett is being asked to:
A) Consider playing 3B again
B) Consider playing LF or RF

Consider the idea of a super utility player...and be a man without a permanent position or we trade you to Toronto and its tax laws, remember Montreal.

Bill Veeck planted Ivy during 'The Depression', and over time the Ivy Walls has become the most distinct symbol of Wrigley Field.

by Ivy Walls on Jul 5, 2006 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Or...

... maybe the Cubs have something here -- you want Barrett, you have to take Walker too.

The financial differential of playing in Canada is not nearly as big as it was a couple of years ago, due to the Canadian dollar now being worth almost 90 cents US.

by Al on Jul 5, 2006 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Posting this here too

Did i miss something or when (or who for that matter) was Barrett asked to switch positions? I can understand it from a subpar defense for his position. But is that really the answer? In addition for those who don't like his attitude may I ask you to say why, He is passionate for his team, tries to help publically recruit players to the cubs, gave up his jersey number to nomar for free as long as he considered staying with the cubs(i see your point on that one) and the first thing he did after that hole AJ thing(which I think 9 out of 10 players would have loved to do) was be the bigger man and apologized. I just don't get his hate fest.
And trading him for molina and jumper cables that the same thing as the idoits who wanted a bag of balls for patterson and look what he is doing now.

by Lablover on Jul 5, 2006 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett

Benji Molina ways 375 pounds at last sighting. Regardless, I take him and a used pair of jumper cables for Michael Barrett if Toronto is game.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man

it's a great thing you aren't the Cubs GM, then, because that would be a horrible deal.

by Scott on Jul 5, 2006 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Z and Lee?

You don't have the first clue how to build a baseball team. You see, you need to keep the GOOD players and get rid of the BAD players. See how that works?

I got a great idea:

Every year trade away every good player we have and get prospects. Then when a prospect becomes good, trade him for more prospects. We then can become the Florida Marlins. And I don't mean the 97 or 03 Marlins that built their teams on veterans AND young guys. I'm talking the 04, 05, and 06 Marlins. We can then put out a competitive team each year who in the end finishes below .500 and trades away anyone who may end up making a lot of money in arbitration.

by Chad on Jul 5, 2006 5:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Blanco as starter?

He's throwing out 45% of runner compared to Barrett's 21%. Although, the ERA when Blanco's behind the plate is a run higher than Barrett. I think some of that can be attributed to being Maddux's personal catcher though.

My only problem w/ a defensive catcher is that Neifi Cedeno can't hit either, so there's 2 black holes in the lineup.

by CubFaninCA on Jul 5, 2006 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrett for Russ Martin

Martin's considered a good defensive catcher.

LA's counting on too many kids, as it is...

by CubFaninCA on Jul 5, 2006 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dodgers

Ned Coletti and Grady Little are ga-ga over Russ Martin. I'd be very surprised if they'd trade him, especially for a defensive liability like Barrett. The Dodgers just traded highly touted Dionar Novarro, so that seems to reaffirm their opinion of Martin.

by Mike63 on Jul 5, 2006 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barrett

If they trade Barrett, which they probably should, they should look towards Anaheim. They currently have two interesting young catchers in Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli. I'd take either one of them for Barrett, and throw Todd Walker in the deal to play second or third for them and get another prospect or two.

But I'll say this again... no trades should happen until they rid the team of Dusty Baker. He cannot manage young talent. ANY managing he does with the young players Jim Hendry trades for or promotes to the majors will just retard their development and further delay any chances of this team's return to competitive baseball.

------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on Jul 6, 2006 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs