The Cubs, frustrated by Michael Barrett’s erratic, inattentive play, have traded the catcher to the Padres for catcher Rob Bowen and Class A outfielder Kyler Burke.
Bowen and Henry Blanco figure to be the Cubs’ new catching tandem, giving the team the stronger defensive presence that manager Lou Piniella prefers at the position.
Barrett, 30, is batting .256 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. Bowen, 26, is batting .268 with two homers and 11 RBIs.