Cubs Counter-Punch Milwaukee, Pick up Rich Harden

In a lightning quick counter-move, the Cubs picked up Oakland SP Rich Harden in a 6 player deal around 5:30 on Tuesday. After the news on Sunday that CC Sabathia had been traded to the Brewers, there was talk that the Cubs could be caught by the Brew-Crew in the near future. The Cubs did everything in their power to solidify the "#1 team in the NL" title by trading OF Matt Murton, IF/OF Eric Patterson, prospect Catcher Josh Donaldson, and the centerpiece of the deal, SP Sean Gallagher. The Cubs also picked up RHP Chad Gaudin in the deal, who is far from a throw-in type player.

This was an excellent move by the North Siders, one that I thought would be a better idea than CC in the first place. The Cubs now have that 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation; and don't forget, Ryan Dempster is in the All-Star game as well.


On the year, Rich Harden has terrific numbers. He's 5-1 with nearly a 3-1 K/BB ratio. His ERA is an impressive 2.34. He has his red flags, however. He's had several different injuries over the last couple years (Obliques, rotator cuff, strained elbow) that have kept him from the 200+ innings that teams want from Aces. Harden has a fastball that consistently hits mid-90's on the gun, and his out pitch is a nearly-unhittable slider.

Chad Gaudin is a long reliever with starter capabilities. He's worked mainly out of the bullpen this year and it has hurt his numbers a little. Don't be fooled, though; this guy has nasty stuff. His 4-seamer hits low-to-mid 90's, he throws a hard-sinking 2-seam fastball, and his slider and changeup can be filthy when thrown in the right situation.

I believe this was an excellent trade for the Cubs. Murton was as good as gone to one team or another, and Eric Patterson would not have made this team in the next 2-3 years anyway. Gallagher was a tough pill to swallow, as he's shown tremendous growth this season and probably has a ceiling of 2nd or 3rd pitcher in a good rotation. However, given what Milwaukee gave for Sabathia, the Cubs did a better job solidifying an already-above-average starting rotation.