As predicted in this column, the Chicago Cubs have jettisoned the sorry carcass of Michael Barrett to the San Diego Padres in exchange for catcher Rob Bowen and a minor league player.

Barrett, who is primarily an offensive player (in more ways than one) is more renowned for his altercations with White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski and teammates Carlos Zambrano and Rich Hill.  Although the Cubs could use his bat, his defense and ability to handle pitchers has been called into question.

Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry says that Barrett may have been pushing in the last year of his contract. "This year he's had a tougher time defensively, and a lot of it's probably from trying too hard, and some of it's maybe because it's the last year of his deal. But he's been a really, really good offensive player."

Hendry says his adventures in fighting had no bearing on Barrett's departure. 

Sure, Jim.  We believe you.