You almost have to feel bad for Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. He gets the receiving end of a beatdown from Carlos Zambrano, and last night, Rich Hill had words with him during the game, and his inability to find the ball last night against the Mariners is probably what managed to lose them the game. Odds are not good that Barrett will be in a Cubs uni for a hell of a lot longer (the columnists in Chicago are already calling for his head), or, barring a trade, he may be playing backup to Koyie Hill (whom Zambrano is doing better with as a battery mate) fairly soon.
Let us not forget that the Cubs probably wouldn’t have been in extra innings in the first place without Barrett’s bat — he’s the one who drove in the game-tying RBI, and it’s not really his fault the hitters after him couldn’t capitalize on bases loaded. Still, despite all the efforts to put a positive spin on the whole matter, a catcher losing control of and the confidence of his pitching staff is cause for concern, and just another reflection of the Cubs’ struggles.
(Photo: AP/M. Spencer Green)
Filed under: MLB Tagged: | Michael Barrett
It might suck for the Cubs’ offense, but if Zambrano keeps pitching like he has the last two turns with the new guy, my fantasy team is all for it!