Rich Harden has just been traded to the Cubs along with Chad Gaudin (5-3, 3.59 ERA). Well, it didn't take long for the Cubs to answer back about the C.C. Sabathia deal. Reportedly, they gave up Sean Gallagher (3-4, 4.45 ERA), Matt Mutron (.250 BA between Triple A and the majors), Josh Donaldson, and another prospect.
Is this a good move? Well, we will have a better view as the season goes on. But for the Cubs, this is a risky move that can turn out genius or be a bust. Harden is a beast when pitching and should only improve in the NL. But he's had trouble staying heathly which has always been his main issue. With that said, the Cubs need another starting pitcher in the worst way. And after the Brew Crew got C.C., that only raised the need for an impact arm. The Brewers got there ace and the Cubs got there own. Chad Gaudin is also a nice little pick-up as he adds more depth in the pitching department. The Cubs rotation as follows:
1. Carlos Zambrano (9-2, 2.96 ERA)
2. Rich Harden (5-1, 2.34 ERA)
3. Ryan Dempster (9-3, 3.24 ERA)
4. Ted Lilly (9-5, 4.47 ERA)
5. Jason Marquis (6-5, 4.78 ERA) or Sean Marshall (1-2, 4.10 ERA)
For the A's, this is surprising. I thought Billy Beane would take as much time as possible and wait till the best offer came around July 31st. But this tells me either Beane wasn't confident that Harden could stay heathly for much longer for some reason or he got some GREAT prospects from the Cubs. The Cubs have liked Gallagher and Murton for a long time now and both have talent. I know the A's got a major league ready hitter and pitcher and a high catching prospect.
I think this is a good deal. This is just as big of a deal as the Brewers getting C.C. Sabathia. In the course of several days, we've seen 2 shut down aces get moved from the AL to the NL. And the NL Central race just got a lot more interesting...
Who wants to bet the Cardinals get A.J. Burnett tomorrow?
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UGH Cole!
I wanted to be the first to report on this...oh well, I won't do a blog on it...
dudeman is gone.
Total Comments (16599)
The Cubs were major pissed off when Sabathia went to Milwaukee and now they got Harden and Brewers fans will be mad, once again, that their move was overshadowed. Harden is a better pitcher than Sabathia when healthy.
Nice blog
Dawgee is gone
Detroit, MI
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This is a great deal.
The Cubs get a dynamic pitcher (albeit an injury-prone one) and a quality, young reliever.
The Cubs lost a couple of outfielders (a position they have too many of already), a no-name catcher, and a pitcher who hasn't shown much progress (although he's only 22).
Right now, I think it's a great deal for the Cubs, but you can never underestimate Billy Beane. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be a great deal for him, but right now, I'm happy with it.
chrono8008
A Place, IL
Total Comments (4918)
Once I found out more about who the A's got I'll decide my opinion on this....
One thing for sure though, Cubs got a one damn good pitcher in Harden who has been hot since he came back from early season injury. I'm surprised Gaudin was part of this as well, but with A's falling fast in the West a move was inevitable. Cubs are definitely trying to win this year.
Thugmeister
State Of Jefferson, CA
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Thugmeister, Gallagher is a young, promising pitcher who could develop into a solid #3 arm in a rotation. He has a 4.45 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 3-4 record. But with time and experience, he can potentially develop into something quite nice.
Murton is an outfielder with above average ability. He was just badly mismanaged by us, which is a shame. He has a lot of talent, and I like him. He deserved better. I hope the A's know how to properly use him. They got a really good guy.
Patterson is a 25 year old outfielder who, like Gallagher, needs time to develop. He just started getting more playing time this year, and he isn't that bad. Give him some time and see what happens.
Donaldson I know absolutely nothing about. I don't pay too much attention to our farm system, although I really should.
cubs/bears
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Wow, that pitching staff looks really impressive for the Cubs. It's pretty ovious the Cubs want to win now, and win the division with this counterattack to the CC Sabathia trade. Good blog.
Denis24
Fort Wayne, IN
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I bet you they go after another starter.
thehemogoblin- Gone
The University Of, OR
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Wow, that pitching staff looks really impressive for the Cubs. It's pretty ovious the Cubs want to win now, and win the division with this counterattack to the CC Sabathia trade. Good blog.
Denis24: Earl Calloway | 07/08/08, 09:43 PM Report Offensive Comment
No, Hendry has been working on this deal for about a month. Milwaukee getting Sabathia had nothing to do with us getting Harden and Gaudin. I STILL can't believe we were also able to pry Gaudin away from Oakland!
I bet you they go after another starter.
thehemogoblin | 07/08/08, 09:46 PM Report Offensive Comment
That's not outside the realm of possibility. Especially considering what little we gave up for Harden and Gaudin. And Hendry is always looking to make this team better. This year, he has done a great job. He got Jimmy Ballgame, who looks like a contender for the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. And now he got Harden and Gaudin for players who weren't going to get significant playing time here, outside of Gallagher. Even then, he was going to go to the bullpen very soon.
But as it is, we now have one of the best lineups in the Majors. We already had the statistically best lineup in the NL. With Harden in the fold now, this lineup just became that much more menacing. And Gaudin will complement an already deep bullpen.
cubs/bears
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