Cubs acquire Harden

[Psyblast]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

And yeah, Psyblast, stop hating because the Ligers are the 3rd best team in the worst division in all of baseball.

Ooooh, nice. I'm sure you think that was a really cool zing.

It's undercut slightly by the fact that aside from fistofrage, nobody is a bigger critic of the Motor City ***** Cats than me.

[ZM Punk]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

Chicago didn't have to give up Josh Vitters, Donnie Veal or Tyler Colvin which is a extra bonus.

Keeping Ronnie Cedano isn't bad either.

Thats why I'm much happier we got Harden. We would've definitely had to part with one of those guys for Sabathia. Basically we got a young albeit injury prone player with #1 stuff for a couple of fourth outfielders and 3rd or 4th starter at best.

[Chaos81]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

Going to be interesting to see Harden in a Cubs uniform. But I'm glad he's out of the AL.

the worst division in all of baseball.

Did you forget about the NL West? :wink:

[RAZRr1275]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

they had to do that to match the brewers. so that means bye bye cards.

[ProStylez]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

History of injuries

+

pitching for the most cursed team ever

=

on his very first pitch at Wrigley...

..........Hope so.................

[ZM Punk]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

they had to do that to match the brewers. so that means bye bye cards.

I wouldn't count out Tony just yet, even though I must admit things are starting to look bleak for the Cards. I don't see them making too big of a move though. I think Larussa will try to win with what he has and try to win big in 09, when he gets his pitching healthy.


No need to mortgage the future when you don't know if you will get the players you currently have healthy.

[remix]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

Cubs definitely get maximum potential here and a huge boost to their pitching staff. Gaudin has the ability to come out in relief and/or start, while Harden, when healthy is one of the best pitchers in the league.

However, Harden has already pitched more innings this year than he has in his two previous years. It has also been seen that Harden has lacked velocity in his two previous starts (both resulting in 5IP). Harden came out saying that he was surprised to even make it to that point. Maybe this scared the A's some and decided it was time to get some value out of him via trade. Either way, the Cubs did a nice job and most likely understand that the potential payout is much greater than the risk. I mean, if they're going to be 'cursed' again, minds well go down swinging.

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

I'm surprised that the A's basically threw Gaudin in there...he's solid.

The Cubbies did give up some pretty solid pieces in Gallagher and Patterson, plus Murton's decent, but they still got the better end of this deal by far.

[R3BeL]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

If the Cardinals don't do something soon I might just disown them. LOL.

[Cubfan]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

What a steal by the Cubs. Getting Harden and Gaudin and not giving up our best prospects.

[yvesdereuter]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

I'm surprised that the A's basically threw Gaudin in there...he's solid.

The Cubbies did give up some pretty solid pieces in Gallagher and Patterson, plus Murton's decent, but they still got the better end of this deal by far.

No. Murton is a paper tiger. Whatever he does on offense, is most likely done when its least consequential to winning. As a Cub fan, Im thrilled, especially with Gaudin added.

[snepp]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

No. Murton is a paper tiger. Whatever he does on offense, is most likely done when its least consequential to winning.

His WPA disagrees.

[Herky]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

I'm surprised that the A's basically threw Gaudin in there...he's solid.

The Cubbies did give up some pretty solid pieces in Gallagher and Patterson, plus Murton's decent, but they still got the better end of this deal by far.

Gallagher will be good but there wasn't much room for the rest of them in the organization. Chicago had been shopping Murton since the end of last year because there wasn't room for him in the OF. He's better off somewhere else because he needs to play almost everyday to be productive and he wasn't going to in Chicago. Patterson has had stints with the Cubs and has some promise, but he's worth giving up IMO. Donaldson was hitting under .220 and while young, the Cubs have a ton of minor league catchers. One in AA (Wellington Castillo) made the All-Star down there and will probably get a shot at the #2 job with the Cubs next season.

In short, the Cubs didn't give up anything they will miss other than Gallagher, and everyone knew he'd be included in a trade. He was one of the guys along with Patterson and some others that almost went to Baltimore for Brian Roberts back in December/Jan.

[huggerorange73]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

Going to be interesting to see Harden in a Cubs uniform. But I'm glad he's out of the AL.



Did you forget about the NL West? :wink:

Cubs fans can't see through their White Sox hatred to notice little facts like that, and the fact that Harden has been to the DL 5 times in the last 3 years, oh and he's only pitched one full season his entire career.

If, and it's a big if, Harden can stay off the DL he's a big upgrade in the rotation. If he goes to the DL the Cubs are in deep doo doo.

[windseer90]

Re: Cubs acquire Harden

Harden better get injured. I don't like these moves our competitor's are making.