The Cubs have cut ties with catcher Michael Barrett by dealing him for a bucket of balls to the San Diego Padres. This moves makes clear that the Cubs have more faith in Carlos Zambrano's health and desire to resign with the Cubs this off-season than most pundits would concede.
From a fantasy perspective, there aren't too many winners. Barrett's production should be expected to drop (ed: further?) in the move the the hostile hitter environment of Petco Park. The previous starting catcher of the Padres, Josh Bard, will see his ABs dramatically cut.
The Cubs will elevate someone to the starting catcher's role. Koyie Hill and Rob Bowen, the bucket in the bucket-and-balls part of the trade, have not demonstrated any major league ability at all. Makes you wonder why the Cubs didn't select Georgia Tech catcher Matt Weiters a couple weeks ago, doesn't it?