Come to Think of it...Cubs Trade for Harden is High Risk, High Reward

The temptation, Cubs fans, is to jump up for joy at the prospect of Cubs GM Jim Hendry counterpunching the timing of Milwaukee's move with a move of his own.

After all, we desperately needed another starting pitcher. And, let's face it; after getting Sabathia from Cleveland, the Brewers 1-2 punch of Sheets and CC certainly looks impressive.

And we acquired a young pitcher, only 26, who was 5-1 with a sparkling ERA of 2.34. He has struck out 92 batters in 77 innings. Perhaps just as importantly, he is not a free agent after this season, unlike Sabathia.

When he's healthy, Harden has filthy stuff. Nasty. As good as anyone in the game. Ah, but there's that caveat again: when healthy.

For as much as Rich Harden reminds people of Mark Prior in his ability to take over a game, Harden also reminds people of Mark Prior in the fact that he just can't stay healthy.

There's the high risk, high reward scenario.  Not that I blame Hendry. Oh no, quite the opposite. He had to make this trade and I am glad he did. Just inserting a little realism into the optimism.

Heck, as Hendry himself said on WGN radio tonight, Harden wouldn't have been available if he didn't have health concerns. Because when he does pitch, he is dominating. But...

He has been a regular on the disabled list, laid up for long stretches with various strains, pulls and sprains. In fact, Harden has been on the disabled list six times over the past six years. Ouch. (Literally).

But he's been healthy lately. He has taken his turn in the rotation 11 consecutive times.

So the question then becomes, which Rich Harden have the Cubs acquired? Has he finally turned the corner and gotten past the breakdowns? Or, is he simply on his longest consecutive start streak since 2005, a call to the medics waiting to happen? It's worth the effort to find out I guess.

For this unhittable but injury prone righty, this mystery wrapped up in an enigma, the Cubs sent righthander Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson and minor league catcher Josh Donaldson. Gallagher is likely the biggest loss here, long-term.

The Cubs also get righthander Chad Gaudin, 25, who can start or relieve. He’s 5-3 with a 3.69 ERA this year.

Well, regardless of what ultimately happens, perhaps the best result of this move is that it shows the team, the fans, and the opposition that the Cubs are serious about wanting to win. Now.

Come to think of it, there are no guarantees in life or in baseball trades. So you might as well go for it while you can. That's just what Hendry did.