December 30, 2008 Michael Barrett officially signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays which includes a club option for the 2010 season, according to the Associated Press. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View:Barrett struggled with San Diego last season but is a career .264 hitter with 97 home runs, and he will provide depth at catcher with Gregg Zaun set to depart.
December 29, 2008 The Blue Jays have inked catcher Michael Barrett, according to ESPN. He agreed to a minor league deal, and financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View:Barrett is a career .264 hitter with 97 home runs, and will provide depth at catcher with Gregg Zaun set to depart.
December 11, 2008 The Marlins have garnered interest in Michael Barrett, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Our View:The Orioles, Astros and Blue Jays have also talked to Barrett's rep. The Marlins are in the market for a backup catcher, after releasing Matt Treanor. John Baker looks to be the starter in 2009, and Barrett would provide adequate depth as the No. 2.
October 10, 2008 Michael Barrett has cleared outright waivers with the Padres and has elected to become a free agent, according to the AP.
Our View:The 31-year-old only hit .202 over 94 at-bats with the Padres this season, and will not be highly regarded among free agent catchers.
August 18, 2008 Michael Barrett, who is on the DL while recovering from a broken nose, will undergo vision exercises and therapy, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View:There remains no timetable for his return to San Diego, and he is not worth waiting for with a .202 batting average over 30 games this season.
