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When their favorite baseball team is in the middle of a hotly contended pennant race, a big trade is a die-hard fan’s dream-come-true.

On June 20, the San Diego Padres announced a deal that sent journeyman backup catcher Rob Bowen to the struggling Chicago Cubs in exchange for the big bat of controversial starting catcher Michael Barrett. The deal also sent low Single-A outfielder Kyler Burke to the Cubs, while the Cubs absorbed $1.5 million of the $2.5 million owed on Barrett’s 2007 salary.

It remains to be seen who got the better end of this trade. However, the Padres clearly demonstrated that they’re in it to win it by filling an obvious need for a proven Major Leaguer who can give them more production at the catcher’s position. Though his stats are down this year, Barrett finished the 2006 season with a .304 batting average and 16 home runs, and in 2005 he won the Silver Slugger award that goes to the best hitter at their position in each league. In his backup role, Bowen was hitting a serviceable .268 with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs.

Stats are important, but so is team chemistry. Even casual fans remember Barrett more for his highly publicized scuffles than his production on offense. Meanwhile, Bowen is a popular player who contributes on the field as well as in the clubhouse and community.

Regardless, a contending team needs the intensity and fiery passion of player like Barrett to get them through the dog days of a long season. An All Star–caliber player is rarely acquired as cheaply as Barrett was during the middle of the season. The Padres can only be a better team as a result.