It was only a matter of time, after Barrett's issues with Zambrano. The kicker is that, while the move might've had to be made, it probably makes the Cubs worse. It certainly makes the offense less potent. Here's the scoop:
According to Buster Olney, Michael Barrett has just been traded to the Padres. In return, the Cubs received backup catcher Rob Bowen, a young outfielder named Kyler Burke, and cash considerations.
If you're a believer in the importance of clubhouse chemistry, you might think this makes the Cubs better right away. I'm not so dogmatic to think that chemistry doesn't exist and/or is meaningless, but I do think it's way overrated. A good manager probably could've solved the issue with Barrett (unless somebody is sleeping with somebody's wife, anyway). As it is, the Cubs will now have a catching tandem of Moeller/Bennett proportions.