NOTE: This is pure speculation by the staff here at RTWF.
Today on ESPN's Around the Horn the panel discussed Michael Barrett's place on the current team. A few points against his behalf were brought up.
EDIT: The Pardon the Interruption guys think that there is either a 65% (Tony) or 0% (Wilbon) chance that Barrett will back next season. Hard to believe we're making this much news on a Red Sox/Yankee heavy network.
1) The Zambrano Fight: Both guys claim to have put this behind them, but there is speculation that bad blood still could be lingering. This is fueled by the fact that he hasn't caught Carlos since the altercation.
2) Catching Big Z: Probably the more relevant reason for Barrett's absence when Z is on the mound is the fact that Carlos simply has better stats when Hill or the illustrious Henry Blanco catches him. Much better. I can't determine if this is pure coincidence or deeper than that.
3) Rich Hill: Though small, Barrett and the young Hill had sharp words for each other in last night's game. This begs the question as to what Mikey is doing to piss off all his pitchers? People might argue that the catcher-pitcher relationship is a huge part of the game of baseball, I have no idea...but it makes sense.
4) Terrible Defense: Everyone knows Mike is an offensive catcher, and as long as he is scoring more runs than his terrible defense is giving up, I think no one should give a flying ****. However, right now that is not the case. He is struggling and his defense is staying constant at horrible. I've been screaming for Henry Blanco to get more playing time, hopefully he will get some after he gets back.
So there you go, I'm not sure where I stand on this whole thing right now. I love Mikey, but I love the Cubs more. As much as it hurts me to say it, if he can't do the job, maybe we should move him while he still has some good value. I dunno.
Hit us up with a comment if you've got a view point on this.
Go Cubs.
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2 comments:
I think that Michael Barrett's time as a Cub is coming to a close. Although Henry Blanco doesn't have the offensive statistics of Barrett, I actually prefer Blanco. Overall, he is much better behind the plate and, most importantly, calls a good game. Defense might not win games, but it certainly can lose them.
However, Barrett's fate isn't necessarily the biggest concern for the Cubs at this point. My question is in regards to what the Cubs do when Aramis Ramirez returns.
Who goes to AAA? Fontenot? Pagan? Murton?
The Cubs have a problem -- some would say a good problem -- on their hands in that they seem to have too many position players.
Jacque Jones isn't producing, but they cannot send him down to AAA. He would have to be dealt. Although I may be jumping the gun, Fontenot and Theriot are likely the middle infielders of the future. Where does this leave DeRosa and Izturis? I like DeRosa, but he is best when he is playing everyday. Izturis is likely to odd man out in the infield. Do the Cubs hang on the Darryl Ward exclusively as a pinch hitter?
These questions will have to be answered in the coming weeks.
Blanco is God's gift to the Chicago Cubs.
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