The View From Seat 113: Rich Harden's Rest Will Key Cubs' Playoff Run

Rich Harden has been good for the Chicago Cubs. Check that, he's been great.

Most importantly though, he's been healthy.

That in itself will give the Cubs an edge in the playoffs, and the Cubs are making sure Harden gets there.

His performance Tuesday night against the Reds may have been Harden's best outing on the North Side: Seven innings, two hits, 10 strikeouts, no walks, one RBI, and he left with a 1-0 lead.

Harden finally found the right difference between his fastball and changeup, and showed pinpoint control in the process.

Harden will be a key player over the next few months. If his 2.04 ERA transfers into the playoffs than the Cubs will find themselves in position to take a dominating lead in a series, providing that Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster continue their ways too.

The only trick will be making sure Harden's arm stays healthy enough and fresh enough to dominate come October.

When the Cubs had a recent rain out in Atlanta, Sean Marshall picked up a spot start so Harden would not go on short rest. In all his starts in Chicago, Harden has rarely gone over 100 pitches in a start.

The Cubs know they need Harden's arm to hold up for this year and next, and are not pushing Harden to carry the load and be the their savior.

Much unlike the Milwaukee Brewers and CC Sabathia.

The Cubs have proven they have the best rotation in the National League, maybe in the Major Leagues. Rich Harden is a small piece of that rotation, but he may end playing the most crucial role to snap their 100-year drought--the crucial piece.

After all, Harden is only one pitcher, pitching in one game. Come playoff time though, that one game could make all the difference.