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.
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3 months ago
I think i squirmed a little bit when you compared Prior and Harden.
That being said, I'm very optimistic and I think that this was a great trade. I hope it works out well.
from 3 months ago
The comparison is very relevant, unfortunately. As I said, I'm glad we made the move, but history says he won't pitch much. He's alerady missed a month this season and had a report of a dead arm/fatigue in his last start against the White Sox.
3 months ago
I love the trade i am still grinning ear to ear, it was time for Murton and the Cubs to go their own ways, plus there isn't a starting spot for him in the big leagues when Soriano comes back. Gallagher was solid but worth the risk.
3 months ago
Harden is absolutely high reward! He's going to be amazing, esp. in the NL!
from 3 months ago
Again, IF he stays healthy...
from 3 months ago
Bob,
I absolutely agree. That said, I think he will be able to, even so, he will have motivation to come back from injury because of the Cubs situation.
3 months ago
Let's see the tough choice Piniella has in front of him, especially with Scott Eyre due to return shortly. Do you keep Jason Marquis in the rotation, and see if he can continue his recent excellence, or do you keep the eye on the future, and leave lefty Sean Marshall in the rotation?
Harden's pushing someone out, and you can bet I'll write on it as soon as I see who. Piniella has no qualms about favoring veterans over rookies or vice versa, and Marshall IS in his 3rd season with the team. Lou has also pined for a lefty all season long, especially since Hill was shipped out.
Welcome to Chi-town Rich, we're glad to have you.
from 3 months ago
Johnny, I would move Marshall to the pen or the minors for now and go with Marquis until he slumps, as he always does in the second half of the season. The heck with the future, our time is NOW!
3 months ago
Good trade recap Bob. The comparisons to Prior are necessary. Do you think any of the prospects we gave up will become stars in the league?
3 months ago
Good trade recap Bob. The comparisons to Prior are necessary. Do you think any of the prospects we gave up will become stars in the league?
from 3 months ago
Not stars, no. But Patterson will become a servicable utility player, maybe a starter at 2b. His speed will get him some looks, though stardom is not in his future I don't think. Gallagher at best is a #3, which isn't bad, every team needs one. He's more likely a 4/5 so he will bounce around rotations for many years if healthy. No Cy Young in his future in my opinion. This young catcher they gave up has a chance to be something...catchers who can hit are unique...and he might have the best upside of all of them. But with Soto, we're in good hands at that spot. And of course Matt Murton is what he is, a patient hitter, poor defense, doesn't run well but can hit. If he ever gets an opportunity to play every day, look for numbers like these: 15-75-.285/.370. Hey, those are Fukudome's numbers.......!
3 months ago
I like this trade a lot for both teams, but when I heard about it, I have to admit I thought "Billy Beane must be up to something." It's almost unheard of that Beane would ever give talent away, so when a trade with the A's seems too good to be true, it probably is. That being said, I hope Harden stays healthy, it'll be pretty interesting to see the impact he makes on the rest of the pitching staff.
from 3 months ago
Of course I agree with you, as you can tell form my article. But to play devil's advocate for a moment, Beane did trade Dan Haren last year and he's a very good pitcher. I don't think he "gave away" anything - he made a good deal for himself. He knew that Harden was a huge risk, and was likely to go on the DL soon, given his history & the fact that he had thrown 11 consecutive games. So he wanted to get something now while he could. And he did get some talent in return.
3 months ago
The Central race is shaping up to be one hell of a barn burner. I still feel the Cubs are ahead though especially after this trade.
We didn't give up anything we need this season—or for that matter for the next few seasons. Gallagher will be good—maybe as good as a #2 starter—but Murton needed to move on, E Pat had no place on the team and his brothers genes, and while Donaldson may be very good one day, we have a very good catcher in Soto.
All around good trade for both teams. Health will play a big role in deciding a winner and a loser in this deal.
from 3 months ago
Yeah it's become one hell of a division, hasn't it? Will the Cardinals do something now? They're next, though I don't think they will make a splash.
3 months ago
Well-written and perfectly summed up the trade. Great.
from 3 months ago
Thanks Billy, appreciate the comment.
3 months ago
It was a good trade for both teams. This gives Gallagher and Murton a chance to start everyday and get consistent action. For the Cub's it gives them some flexibility when Marquis struggles in the second half and Dempster needs an extra day off for fatigue. But I like this move it seemed like a counter move for Milwaukee but the way it sounded this was in talks for awhile it just took a little push from our neighbors up north. But in the long run, this will beneift us. Good article!
2 months ago
That was a good article Bob. This trade probably could have been made without the loss of Gaudin, but knowing Beane, theres gotta be something to this trade that we dont see. The low-pressure clubhouse of the A's should help guys like Gallagher and Murton who have been moved around alot.
Harden is my favorite player and the A's are one of my favorite teams so i hope this trade works out for both sides
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