Come To Think of It... Cubs' Rich Harden Throwing Towels Mark Prior Left Behind

Guys like Cubs pitcher Rich Harden can be maddening at times.

On the one hand, there’s all that undeniable talent oozing out of every pore. There are the tantalizing times when he is fully healthy and shows everyone just what he can do. And when he does, boy is it something to behold.

From 2005 to 2008, only Roger Clemens had a lower ERA than Harden's 2.56. He was 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA last season. For his career, he is 41-20 with an 3.23 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and opponents have hit only .216 against him.

But then there are the inevitable injuries that serve as a harsh reminder that the man can’t be counted on. He has a small tear in his shoulder joint, so it is highly unlikely that he will be able to start 25 games like he did last year. 

So, how many starts will Harden be good for this season? Well, no one really knows, and that’s the problem. You don’t know when the injuries will happen; you just know that they will. And you hope it doesn’t happen during a critical series or in the playoffs.

But that’s the chance you take when you have a guy like Harden. The rewards are sweet, but the downtime bitter. I hate to mention this, but having gone through the Mark Prior and Kerry Wood years, you would think this team has had enough of the uncertainty. But the temptation can be great because the upside is so great.

Yet, every day that I read about Harden not having thrown off a mound yet this spring, I can’t help but be reminded of Prior, despite the assurances that Harden is getting closer.

But getting closer to what? Call me pessimistic, but get back to me when he actually is able to throw off a real mound, to real hitters, in a game situation.

Meanwhile, if you’re Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild, how do you plan for this?

It’s clear the Cubs need a fifth starter, and it’s almost equally as clear that it’s going to be Sean Marshall filling that role, barring a last minute injury or acquisition by Jim Hendry.

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