Michael Barrett

Barrett is likely to fill a backup role in 2008 behind Josh Bard and will probably start 50-60 games. He's on the wrong side of 30 (he turned 31 in October) and it showed in 2007, as his string of consecutive double-digit home run seasons ended at six. A June trade to pitcher-friendly San Diego certainly didn't help; Barrett hit .226 in 133 at-bats as a Padre with zero homers and 12 RBI. With his everyday responsibilities apparently behind him, there are better places to throw a dart on draft day.

Barrett's put up almost identical counting numbers for three years running, but last year he did it in fewer at-bats, no thanks to a foul tip that caught his groin area and ended his season a month early. The good news is that Barrett will be 100 percent for the start of spring training, and his improved rate stats should translate into better totals if he gets his usual 430-odd at-bats. Barrett's also playing for a new contract, as his deal is up after 2007.

Barrett put up almost identical numbers in 2005 to those he managed in 2004, and that's a good thing - at least for a catcher. At 29, he could have a power spike over the next couple years, but at the very least we're looking at a guy who doesn't strike out too much, draws an occasional walk and has pretty good pop. Barrett's not a very good defensive catcher, however, throwing out just 23 percent of runners attempting to steal last year and 24 percent for his career.

Coming off a pretty good season with the bat, Barrett is likely to be the starter behind the plate again with the Cubs. He doesn't strike out too much, will occasionally draw a walk and has a little bit of pop. He'll be 28 this season and there's a little power upside to go with some batting-average downside.

After being traded twice, Barrett appears to be the starting catcher for the Cubs going into spring training if he can stay healthy. He hit .208 for the Expos in 2003, but spent most of the year on the disabled list with a strained hip and a broken left finger.

Finally had a season close to what he produced in his rookie year, but the gap between expectation and performance is still wide. He'll be 26 in 2003, and the window is closing.