Cubs finally catch up with Barrett After a long chase, Hendry lands his man in trade with Oakland

The Cubs have no catchers to speak of in their farm system, amajor concern for a team with World Series ambitions based largely onits strong, young pitching. So they relish the fact that MichaelBarrett is 27, still developing skills and knowledge as a catcher andcapable of filling that vital position for years to come.

Barrett was acquired Tuesday from the Oakland Athletics for aplayer to be named, which probably will be catcher Damian Miller. TheA's, who obtained Barrett from the Montreal Expos on Monday knowingthey could immediately move him to the Cubs, still need a catcherafter a deal last month that sent All-Star Ramon Hernandez to the SanDiego Padres. Cubs general …