Rich Harden vs. Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija & Mystery Candidate

Randy Wells' emergence has knocked Rich Harden to the back-burner -- and possibly off the team.  The Cubs will have Tom Gorzelanny, Sean Marshall and Jeff Samardzija vying for the fifth starter's spot in the rotation in 2010 in what will resemble what Vince McMahon would call a gauntlet match -- but without a true No. 1 contender.

That's why the Cubs should re-sign Harden.  If it was any other 9-9 starter with a 4.09 earned run average, I'd cut my losses right there.  But Harden is no run-of-the-mill starter.  He posted a 4-3 record, 1.119 WHIP, an 88-to-31 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 2.55 ERA in 12 second-half starts.  His struggles at home (3-7, 5.99 ERA, 15 starts) seem to be way off base with what his career splits suggest.  Lest we forget Harden was 2-0 with five (!) no decisions in seven starts at Wrigley Field in 2008.  In those games, he posted a 0.75 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, a 61-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a ridiculous 13.7 K/9 ratio.

It's easy for fans to forget something like that, but it should not be lost on Lou Piniella or Jim Hendry.  That dynamic duo cannot afford to make any mistakes after a disastrous offseason that led to the debacle that was the 2009 Cubs campaign.

In a free agent market that can be described simply as "weak as hell" the Cubs really should hold on to Harden by at least offering him arbitration just in case someone decides to unload a Brinks truck full of loot in front of his residence over the winter.  And if he takes that loot, there is only one viable solution.

(Hint: It's not anyone I've named above.)

Rich Harden Going Soft Down The Stretch

Maybe Rich Harden likes Chicago so much that he is pitching himself back into the Cubs' price range.

The right hander has $100 million stuff but the endurance of a 17-year-old.  Harden is 9-9 with a 4.09 earned run average, rebounding from a 5-6 first half to go 4-3 thus far in the second stanza with a 2.55 ERA.  But since the Cubs failed to trade him to Minnesota before the waiver-deal deadline, Harden has struggled.  He is 1-2 allowing 13 runs (9 earned) in 17 innings.

Wrigley Field has been the un-friendly confines for Harden, who has a 3-7 record at home this season with a 5.99 ERA.  On the road, he's 6-2 with a 2.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

Between those mind-numbing splits and Harden's injury history, there is no wonder the Cubs have been cautious when dealing with a possible extension.  And despite the Cubs' glaring needs of speed, power and a second baseman taller than your average circus midget, re-signing Harden might be the team's biggest offseason conundrum.

The free agent market is slimmer than Calista Flockhart on a diet.  And since the Cubs' starting rotation is the furthest thing from being the team's Achilles heel, I would take issue if the rotation lost one of its more valuable members.  Sure, Sean Marshall or Tom Gorzelanny could step in, but both are unproven and seeing them once every four days would probably send Cubs fans into convulsions.

The fact of the matter is as follows.  Losing Harden and not replacing his production in the rotation would be kin to the Cubs trading Mark DeRosa and not replacing his production at second base.  At this point, Harden ranks as a Type A free agent and would net a return of two draft picks if offered arbitration and signs with another team.  But if he does accept arbitration, he could be looking at a raise to about $10 million next season.

It's a risk worth taking, but a road the Cubs would not have to be traveling down had they just sent Harden to the Twins for some prospects.

The Dust Settles & Rich Harden Remains A Cub

Rich Harden will be making his scheduled start against Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros after all.

Harden, who was placed on waivers and claimed by the Minnesota Twins, will remain a Cub for the rest of the season as the two teams were unable to strike a deal.  Somehow, the Cubs are only 5 1/2 games out of the NL Wild Card spot, which would require a miracle for the North Siders to capture.

Long story, short: There's nothing to see here until November, when the Cubs will have 15 days of exclusive negotiating rights to re-up with the very talented righty.

The Cubs' options are simple:

• Re-sign Harden to a multi-year deal.
• Offer him salary arbitration, collect two picks when he signs elsewhere
• Decline arbitration, collect nothing when he signs elsewhere.

In a year muddled by Milton Bradley's lunacy injuries, Harden has stayed relatively healthy.  Despite a stint on the DL early in the season, Harden has really turned it on in the second half with a 3-1 record, 1.80 earned run average, a 0.82 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 50 innings of work.

Kinda makes you forget about his 5-6 start to the season, in which he posted a 5.47 ERA and 1.541 WHIP.

Overall, Harden is 13-8 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 232 strikeouts in 195 innings.

Based on those numbers, and the fact that it is a very shallow market when it comes to free-agent starting pitchers, the Cubs should pull out all the stops to re-sign Harden.  This is a franchise that threw $52 million at Ryan Dempster after one good year as a starter, why wouldn't they re-sign someone with a good track record despite a past that has (at times) been plagued by injury.

In a somewhat related story, Aaron Heilman wasn't traded either.  As if you really cared about Aaron Heilman.

A Hard-en Decision To Make? Not Really. Cubs Should Bring Back Rich Harden

Not bringing back Rich Harden could be a disaster for the 2010 Cubs.

Whoever is calling the shots for the Chicago Cubs this offseason has a lot of decisions to make as they attempt to right the ship of a disastrous season.

Some of those decisions will be easy.  The only thing that would make me happier than saying goodbye to Kevin Gregg, Aaron Heilman and Aaron Miles would have been not having to say "hello" to them in the first place.

But one of the most daunting questins for the 2010 Cubs will be whether or not to bring back starter Rich Harden.

The Cubs fleeced Oakland A's GM Billy Beane for a year-and-a-half of Harden's services in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson and Matt Murton.  Not a steal?  Take into consideration that Gallagher is now property of the San Diego Padres (via the Scott Hairston deal), Murton was recently DFA'd in Colorado and Patterson is looking more like his brother while playing in Oakland.

Since joining the Cubs, Harden owns a 13-8 record in 34 starts.  Not all too impressive, but that's where the peripherals come into play.  Since coming to the NL, Harden has posted a 3.18 earned run average, 1.149 WHIP, averages 10.7 Ks per nine innings and has racked up 232 strikeouts in 195 innings.

When healthy, Harden is a top-of-the-rotation starter who has some of the most electric stuff in all of baseball.  At the ripe-ol'-age of 27, Harden is just beginning to reach his peak.  And that is why he will be the most sought-after free agent starter on the market this offseason.

It's a class that is headlined by John Lackey, Jason Marquis and a back of back-end guys -- unless starters like Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee, Tim Hudson or Brandon Webb have club options waved and buyouts exercised.

Seriously, Jason Marquis heading any class that doesn't involve safety scissors is not a bright class at all.

Tribune scribe Paul Sullivan thinks Harden can get $60 million in the open market, while ESPN's Buster Olney doesn't believe (subscription required) the oft-injured starter will make more than $20 million this offseason.

Either way, seems like a hefty sum for a player some would consider a better version of Mark Prior.  But before you write off Harden's return, think about this.

Harden has been the Cubs' best starter in the second half.  He's got a 3-1 record in eight starts, but has whiffed 60 batters in 50 innings and limited opponents to a .151 batting average.  And despite his own health issues, he has made one more start than Ted Lilly and Carlos Zambrano this season.

If that doesn't tip the scales in Harden's favor, this should.

Take into consideration what the Cubs could bring back next year if they make the right decision.  Harden, Zambrano and Lilly at the top of the rotation is as good as any rotation in the National League.  

But if Harden doesn't return.

The Cubs will be relying heavily on Ryan Dempster to return to the form that helped fool Jim Hendry into inking him to an extension that will pay Demp $40 million over the next three seasons.  Next in line is Randy Wells (9-6, 2.84 ERA), who has shown that he can be a competitive starter when he's not facing the Washington Nationals, and is an excellent candidate for a sophomore slump as he approaches career highs in innings pitched.  If all else fails, the Cubs will round out the rotation with Tom Gorzelanny and/or Sean Marshall.

Not necessarily the kind of staff primed for a championship run.

If the Cubs decide to not bring back Harden, it will be eerily similar to a decision that past regimes have made.  And the last thing the Ricketts clan wants to do is awaken the echoes of failed Tribune lore.

Unless, of course, they're trying to make the team less appealing so they can move them to Florida.

Hey, has anyone seen Rachel Phelps recently?

Whipping Boys Lead Cubs Back Into First Place

Kevin Gregg, my bad. Most of the season, you've been among the most frustrating player I've ever witnessed as a Cubs fan. You wear goofy goggles and your throwing motion has been compared to one of a batting practice pitcher.

But even I, your biggest detractor, can't help but give you a tip of the cap for what you have done.

Believe it or not, Gregg has gotten better as the season has moved on. In April, his batting average against was .282 and that has dropped to .169 in July. On May 1, his earned run average was a robust 5.91. Now it sits at 3.42. Over the last month, Gregg has a 1.84 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP while racking up 10 saves and punching out 14 hitters in 15 innings pitched.

Not bad for a guy that nobody wanted.

He'll never be confused for Mariano Rivera, but if he continues to get three outs without blowing the lead in the ninth, the Cubs all of a sudden have one of the NL's best bullpens with Carlos Marmol and Angel Guzman turning nine-inning games into six-inning games.

Then there's Milton Bradley. The only person taking more grief than me for supporting Crazy Uncle Milton is Milton himself. It's hard enough when opposing fans are riding you hard, but Bradley's in a no-win situation with Chicago fans. But slowly and surely, he's starting to get work done.

Over the last month, his batting average has been a pedestrian .258, but his on-base percentage has been an outstanding .417 . He's drawn 18 walks in 19 July games to bump that OBP all the way up to a team-best .382. Two of the walks he drew today came into score, one of which came as he scored from first on Alfonso Soriano's double to left due in part to an excellent slide.

He might not be scorching the baseball, but if Bradley (who's hitting .307 in home games) can get on base at a 40-percent clip in front of Soriano in the six spot.

Speaking of Alfonso Soriano, it looks as if he really has taken a liking to being a middle-of-the-line-up thumper.

The former lead-off man came into today's action batting .392 in the six-hole and that will get a nice boost after a 2-for-4 day at the plate today. He's slugging .692 out of his new home in the order and if he keeps it up, he will clearly surpass the .560 slugging percentage he posted in his last year as a Washington National and first year as a Chicago Cub.

Finally, we end with Rich Harden, whose acquisition was much-ballyhooed last July. This year has been an up-and-down kind of thing for Harden. But in his last three starts, Harden has been flat out nasty.

• 6 IP 3 H 1 R 0 ER 7 K 0 BB (W @ WSH 7/16)
• 7 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 6 K 2 BB (ND @ PHI 7/21)
• 6 IP 1 H 1 R 1 ER 8 K 0 BB (W vs. CIN 7/26)

That's a 0.526 WHIP, 10.5 K/BB ratio and a 0.95 ERA in his last three starts.

Despite having each of their top three starters see DL time this year, missing its biggest offensive threat player for a majority of the year, the whining and crying of Mark DeRosa fanboys and jersey chasers ... the Chicago Cubs find themselves in first place.

Here's hoping it can stay that way.

Cubs 5 Reds 2 [ESPN]

TBDS Late Night: Gentlemen, Start Your Lawn Mowers!

And while you're at it, trim the bushes!

Announcement: TBDS Late Night will now be a full-time fixture on this blog Monday through Friday and select weekends. That lengthy intro will no longer apply. Which means more room for items like the following.

Expect Wrigley Field's playing surface to be in pristine condition this weekend as two of the National League Central's best landscapers converge on Wrigley Field this weekend.

And here's hoping the Chicago Cubs got that whole losing thing out of their system because they enter a big four game series against arch-rival (pun intended?) St. Louis Cardinals, who happen to be in first place in the NL Central. After a weekend of smacking around their neighbors from the north (Milwaukee for those of you who are geographically challenged) three out of four games, the Cubs offense was grounded in its two losses against the Atlanta Braves.

And that's with savior Aramis Ramirez back in the fold. Yesterday, I suggested a whole slew of changes. But since we all know Creighton people can't read, this blog probably went heard upon deaf ears. Or in the case of this site, blind eyes.

So that brings me to this. Rich Harden, it's time for you to get your shit together. Now.

There isn't a better time to revert to the pitcher that made you the must-have pitcher after CC Sabathia went to Milwaukee from Cleveland and proceded to drop the periods in his name en route to leading the Brewers to the NL's Wild Card berth.

Last season, Harden posted a 5-1 record with a 1.77 earned run average in 12 starts. His WHIP was 0.972 as he whiffed 89 batters while walking only 30 in 71 innings. My how things have changed in 2009.

Harden is 5-5 with a 5.35 ERA, which is at its highest point in his seven-year career. He has struck out 77 batters in 69 innings, which isn't bad. But his WHIP (1.493), hits-per-nine innings (9.3) and homers-per-nine innings (2.0) are up while his strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.41-to-1) is down.

Dick Hardon could get back in my good graces with a quality start Friday as three members of Team TBDS will be in attendance. Including the Cardinal-loving SalukiOrphan.

Quality Linkage:

• Proof that Cubdom is, in fact, Cubdumb. [Hire Jim Essian]
• An interview with that cute blonde chick who sits with Colin Cowherd. [Awful Announcing]
• Baseball wives and road beef. Didn't Steve McNair teach you good folks anything? [Deadspin] Oh, and the new commenting system is up. Have fun with that.
  
• Where's the outrage that the little guys succumbed to the BCS bullies? [Denver Post]
• Bartolo Colon has apparently been found, proving once again it's hard to lose someone who weighs a metric ton and still finds a way to fit into baseball pants. [Chicago Tribune]
  

The Rich Report (4/21): Seeing Red

Ed. Note: Last year, I came to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch were going to be crucial. So after each start, I provided the line for Richard James Harden until the season ended or his arm fell off. Whichever came first. Harden is back in Cubbie blue, so I figured why not do it all over again

After a crummy start against the Rockies (and Jason Marquis - yuck!), Rich Harden struck out eight batters in three innings. Unfortunately, he also walked four batters and allowed five hits and four earned runs as he picked up his first loss at Wrigley Field.

Harden bounced back with a performance so good, not even Neal Cotts and Luis Vizcaino could ruin.

Harden's Line: 6 IP 3 H 2 R 2 ER 8 K 2 BB

That's a heck of a line for someone who was slotted as the team's No. 4 starter. If Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild can find a way to limit his pitches, without allowing the bullpen blow his games late, it could be beneficial to the Cubs down the stretch -- when they need him the most.

Of course, a 7-run outburst definitely helps.

The Rich Report (4/10): Harden Times Fall On Cubs Closer

Ah, yes. One of my favorite TBDS segments returned yesterday as Cubs starter Rich Harden took to the hill in an attempt to silence the critics who are concerned about the health of Harden's golden right arm.

Rich's Response: 6 IP 3 H 2 R 1 ER 10 K 2 BB

And how long did it take for Kevin Gregg to ruin Harden's gem of a performance?

Approximately 26 pitches.

Harden could be a sleeper Cy Young candidate if the Cubs offense can score and if their bullpen can keep opponents from scoring.

There is no reason (other than Gregg's ineptitude) Harden should have been hung with a No Decision.

Brewers 4 Cubs 3

The Harden they come, the Harden they fall

When the Chicago Cubs acquired Rich Harden prior to the All-Star break, it wasn't just to get the Cubs to the playoffs.

It was to get them to and beyond.

The only thing standing between the Cubs and being swept for the second straight year is the 6-foot-1 flame-throwing Canadian.

Once the prized possession of Oakland Athletics GM Billy Beane, Harden posted a 5-1 record with a 1.77 ERA in 12 starts with the Cubs after going 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts with the A's.

Harden might be the best Game 3 starter in baseball history. The Cubs went 9-3 in Harden's starts and in his worst outing as a Cub (against the Houston Astros) he allowed four runs in 5.2 innings and struck out eight batters.

On extra rest, Harden's been flat-out nasty, posting a 2.83 ERA. He'll be pitching on eight days rest.

While CC Sabathia going to Milwaukee grabbed all the headlines, Harden did his part to help the Cubs get to the playoffs.

As the Cubs' playoff dreams are on life support, it's up to Harden to recessitate them.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Rich Harden was dominant, again.

Harden threw seven innings of two-hit ball as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Washington Nationals, 6-1.

Harden (4-1 with Chicago) threw his fifth 10+ strikeout game, punching out 11 Nats without walking a batter. He has struck out 21 batters over his last 14 innings of works (2-0) without walking a batter.

Harden is now 4-1 with a 1.47 ERA since being traded to the Cubs from Oakland.

More to come...

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Rich Harden has been ridiculously good since joining the Cubs. So while CC Sabathia grabs the headlines (and another beer brat) Harden continues to throw lights out for the North Siders.

In a good sign for Cubdom, a testy Harden said he is tired of being called injury prone. It could be worse, they could just call him Mark Prior.

You know, a dominant pitcher whose previous health concerns are used to indicate how many bullets said dominant pitcher should throw in a given game.

So are Harden and Prior interchangeable? Barely.

Both are young, stud pitchers with high upside but are clear injury risks because of their past. It's like having a girlfriend who took you to a very special place, but only did it once and the only reason you keep her around is because she's dynamite in bed.

That's what it was like having Prior. As for the Harden experience, it's like having that dynamite experience start after start.

Harden's line in Tuesday night's win against the Reds: 7 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 10 K 0 BB

Harden as a Cub (3-1): 42 IP 0.95 WHIP 1.50 ERA 59 strikeouts 14 walks.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Houston 8/05 (ND, 1-1) 5.2 IP 8 hits 5 runs 4 earned runs 2 home runs 1 walk 8 strikeouts. So, the Cubs bat awaken to help Harden and in return he has his worst outing in Cubbie Blue. Still, he helps your fantasy team with eight punchouts.

That brings Harden to a 1-1 record 2.10 ERA 47 strikeouts 9 walks and a 1.03 WHIP in 30 innings pitched as a Chicago Cub.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Milwaukee 7/31 (W, 1-0): 7.0 IP 6 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 9 K 1 HR

It looks like Rich owes Jim Edmonds a fat juicy steak because of the five runs that came off of the center fielder's bat. Maybe a beer-brat will do the trick. In either case, Harden picks up his first victory in a Cubs uniform.

Is Rich Harden Too Good For A Pitch Count?

James Richard Harden takes to the mound in a few hours in search of his first win in a Cubs uniform and a series sweep of the rival Milwaukee Brewers.

The fact that he is winless in three starts as a Cub is truly criminal. How do you limit opponents to two runs on eight hits and post 30 strikeouts against eight walks and have a record of 0-1.

Manager Lou Piniella's strict pitch count seems to be stunting Harden's growth as the co-ace of the staff while putting the Cubs bullpen (shortened with the absence of closer Kerry Wood) on alert any time No. 40 takes the mound.

How could this injustice continue?

Well, going deeper into games could help bring it to an end.

See, Piniella and the Cubs are babying Harden's golden right arm (and rightfully so) in a manner in which Dusty Baker should really take note of. Despite his dominance of the Giants, Diamondbacks and Marlins, Harden is winless because the lack of run support and a struggling bullpen.

Both of those problems look to be resolved.

The Cubs have scored more runs in this series in Milwaukee than the Bears will score in Green Bay against the Packers (remember, you heard that here first). And the bullpen should be fully rested with the exception of Chad Gaudin and Neal Cotts who pitched an inning each in Wednesday night's victory.

If Harden gets the backing that Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster have received in the first three games in this series, he will head back to Chicago with his first victory leaving the Beermakers drowning in their suds.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Florida (ND): 5.0 IP 2 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 10 K 1 HR

That move's Harden's numbers as a Cub to: 0-1 17.1 IP 8 H 2 R 2 ER 8 BB 30 K 1.04 ERA

That's nasty!

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

7/21/2008 @ Arizona

Harden (L): 7.0 IP 1 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 10 K 1 HR

That brings his season total (as a Cub) to: 12.1 IP 6 H 1 R 1 ER 5 BB 20 K 1 HR 0.73 ERA.

The Rich Report

For those of you who are keeping score at home.

Rich Harden's Line: 5.1 IP 5 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 10 K 96 NP (ND)

Cubs win 8-7 in 11 innings.

Gettin' Rich!

James Richard Harden, you have quite a task ahead of you Saturday.

Not only do you have the task of living up to the hype brought on to you by Jim Hendry (who essentially made you the savior of the starting rotation). You have to do it in front of a nationally televised audience and about 40,000 rabid fans at the shrine known as Wrigley Field. Not to mention, you've gotta follow up Sean Gallagher's Oakland debut in which he pitched 7-innings while allowing only 2 hits in the A's 9-2 victory over the Angels.

Luckily for you, the woeful San Francisco Giants line-up awaits. You know, the one without a .300 hitter in its everyday line-up. The same line-up you shut down June 14.

Harden's line in that game: 6 innings 1 hit 9 Ks 2 walks 95 pitches

Not bad. But wait, there's more.

Harden's line versus the NL (PHI, FLA, SF, ATL) this year: 3-0 2 earned runs 33 Ks 6 walks

Overall: 5-1 record 2.34 ERA 92 K 31 BB 1.14 WHIP

I PREDICT: 6 innings 4 hits 0 earned runs 7 strikeouts 1 walk 90 pitches

Good luck, Rich!

Daily Dosage: Wheelin', Dealin' and Winnin'

Not to be outdone by their North Side counterparts, the Chicago White Sox added first baseman Paul Konerko to the line-up.

Say what? He was already on the team and is coming off the DL. Sorry about that Sox fans.

'We're Taking Over.' All-Star Cubs starter Ryan Dempster celebrated the addition of fellow Canadian Rich Harden by allowing one run, two hits (but four walks) and five strikeouts in seven innings of work to pick up his 10th win of the year in the Cubs' 7-3 win over the Reds.

All-Star battery-mate Geovany Soto took Aaron Harang (a surprising 3-11) deep...and not to diminish the feat...so did Mike Fontenot.

Sox Snag Victory In Lucky 13th. In a few years when Kenny Williams and Ozzie Guillen rewrite the Grinder Rules, example 1A should be the play of Alexei Ramirez. It was the Cuban Missle's hustle down the line for an infield single and the hit-and-run that followed that helped put the Sox up for good in the top of the 13th.

However, the Sox are about to go through some bullpen troubles seeing that closer Bobby Jenks is headed to the DL. Scott Linebrink is slowly turning into LaTroy Hawkins and the Minnesota Twins are still creepin' 2.5 games behind the only pair of first place Sox.

Hold Your Horses. What a difference a game makes. No. 2 pick Michael Beasley followed up his 28 point performance with a game in which he scored only nine points and committed almost as many fouls (7).

As for Derrick Rose, he put up 14 points in the Bulls' 89-84 victory over the Pacers despite jamming his knee on a drive to the basket (in which he scored, by the way). The much maligned Tyrus Thomas had 17 points to go along with 7 boards.

Quality Linkage: Harden v. Sabathia Edition

• Rich Harden's gonna have to get over the 'shock' factor of being traded. (SF Chronicle)
• Dave Cameron thinks Billy Beane and the A's got another steal. (Fangraphs) However, AccuScore gives the Cubs another win. (Chicago Sun-Times)
  
• Joel Sherman evokes the memory of Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. (NY Post) Here's hoping Dusty Baker doesn't give Lou Piniella advice on managing a pitching staff.
• The Yankees apparently required a signing window. (NY Times) On the other hand, I only require a window seat.
• The Mets looked to be pretty close to landing another former AL Cy Young award winner. (MetsBlog)
• And remember...no periods! (CastroTurf)
• BONUS LINKAGE
• Jay Mariotti vs. Rick Telander ... who wins today's columnist battle?
  

Arms Race

One day after the Milwaukee Brewers announced newly no-period CC Sabathia as the newest member of their ballclub, Jim Hendry decided he had better put the fork down and make a move of equal significance. Hendry countered the Brewers' acquisition of Sabathia by making a move to bring in Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to help solidify the pitching depth for both the starting rotation and the bullpen.

Uh, yeah. If you would've told me a couple weeks ago that the Brewers traded for Sabathia while giving up their top prospect and future stud Matt LaPorta while the Cubs landed Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin for Sean Gallagher and Matt Murton, I would've broke out the champagne right away. Here's what the Cubs gave up:

The jury is still out on Sean Gallagher as he could become a good middle of the rotation guy. Gallagher had some outstanding strikeout to walk ratios in some games, in limited innings as well. Against the Rockies, Gallagher had eight strikeouts in just over five innings of work. Against the White Sox, Gallagher fanned nine in six innings. The problem with him is that he tends to get too cute with batters, which runs up the pitch count and shortens his leash to remain in games. Lou Piniella's reaction to Gallagher in that White Sox game a week and a half ago basically told everyone what he thought of the young right-hander.

Looking through the other names the Cubs gave up, there really isn't too much there. Matt Murton is your typical Billy Beane acquisition; a guy that is very patient and doesn't hit for a lot of power. I always thought Murton didn't get his fair chance with the big-league club, but he never made the most out of any opportunities handed to him. His numbers against lefties are pretty good, but he absolutely can not hit right-handed hurlers.

As for Eric Patterson, he hit Sweet Lou's doghouse during the first game of the three game set at the Cell. The Cubs' organization decided last year that it would be best to convert a guy that has played second base his entire life and to make him a left fielder. That worked just swimmingly well. Not only does Patterson not have the offensive numbers to be just a below average corner outfielder, but his defense was just flat out terrible. If the Athletics stick with Patterson as a second baseman, he should have a good career in the majors as a utility infielder.

And Josh Donaldson? A sandwich pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, Donaldson burst onto the scene in Short-Season A ball with Boise. He hit .370, put up an OBP of .470, hit nine dingers and drove in 45. His defense left something to be desired as he had a disgusting amount of passed balls. He was promoted to Low Class-A Peoria for the 2008 season and not only has his defense been bad, his offensive numbers have taken a huge downfall. At the time of the trade, Donaldson was hitting .217 and only had an OBP of .276. He does have six homeruns and 23 RBI's, but that's a huge dropoff over what he did last year in Boise. Keep in mind that Peoria is only one level higher than Boise. I don't know what Billy Beane sees in this guy, but more power to him. The Cubs are already set at catcher with Geovany Soto raking and with Wellington Castillo down on the farm as an insurance option.

So here's how I grade the two big trades over the last 48 hours:

Milwaukee Brewers: B-/C+
Chicago Cubs: A+
St. Louis Cardinals: TBD

Of course I'm going to get called a homer (among many other things), but the Brewers gave up one of the best prospects in the game for a two and a half month rental. Sure they'll be getting draft picks in return when they inevitably lose Sabathia to the Yankees, but LaPorta is going to be a thorn in the side of many American League teams in the next few years. And how can you not give the Cubs an A+ for this trade? They pick up not only Harden, but Chad Gaudin who can be both a starter and a reliever. Gaudin is a huge upgrade over what the Cubs currently have in the rotation in a guy named Jason Marquis. And all the Cubs had to give up for these two gentlemen was Sean Gallagher, a corner outfielder that can't hit righties, a second baseman that plays out of position, and a catcher that can't hit his own weight in Low-A ball. They didn't even have to give up Felix Pie or recently rejuvenated Rich Hill. Congratulations Jim Hendry. It took six years, but I have finally grown to appreciate you as a General Manager.

I'm not done yet. Notice I put the Cardinals in my little report card. You would have to imagine that they would get involved with a pitcher, and fast. Now that the Brewers and Cubs have made their moves, the pressure is all squarely on their shoulders. You wouldn't have thought that they would have chose to pursue Harden after the Mark Mulder trade, where Billy Beane just absolutely owned Walt Jocketty. But keep an eye on A.J. Burnett. He's the next domino to fall and going to the Cardinals makes a lot of sense for all parties. Burnett wants a change of scenery and going to a National League team would be a very good fit for him. The Cardinals can't keep getting shutouts from Joel Piniero...can they?

Even if the Cardinals make a move for someone like Burnett, it'll be hard to beat what the Cubs did to get Rich Harden. The Brewers got their number two pitcher and the Cubs got their number two pitcher. It's going to be a fun three months in the midwest.