Cubbies get Harden

[rogue9]

I don't think they traded away their shot this year at all. Harden has been very good, but hes a DL trip waiting to happenIMO.

bingo

[DarthJaker]

Sure we'll give you Bedard. Just take Sexson, Silva and give us Pujols and Rasmus.

no way!! rasmus and pujols are untouchable

[Arctic Blast]

I'm sure Beane knows what hes doing and I don't think he thinks he "traded his shot away" with this trade. I don't know the A's that well, but I'm willing to bet they've got a kid or two in the high minors that can step in and pitch at the ML level. Plus they did get at least one starter in the deal.

Beane is a guy, though, who has publicly stated that he IS willing to give up a year's contention to make his team better in the long run. I'm not saying I disagree with it or anything, just pointing out that the idea isn't exactly nuts.

[HoustonGM]

However, they just lost 2 guys out of their rotation, and Blanton has been godawful all year long...who's going to pitch?

Gaudin's been pitching out of the bullpen. Throwing Gaudin into the deal does surprise me, as I figured any trade of Harden would allow Gaudin to move back into the rotation.

I wouldn't be so quick to hate on the A's side of the deal. Patterson could be a very solid player, especially if he replaces Ellis at second basemen, who's a free agent at the end of this season. Gallagher is a 22 year old pitcher with solid upside (3/4 starter). Murton has been criminally mishandled by the Cubs and is a solid bat. Donaldson's a long shot.

The A's know much more about Harden and his health than anyone else. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Harden goes down with an injury soon, and continues in his pattern of rarely ever pitching, and then this trade ends up looking like a steal for the A's. Remember a couple starts back when Harden was complaining of a "dead arm period" and his velocity was a bit down?

[Arctic Blast]

True enough, and I definitely think it's smart to deal Harden NOW while he's hot than wait for him to (very) potentially get hurt again.

[beerchaser]

Cubs are playing Russian roulette with Harden. I think they'll be regretting this trade in a year or so, but if it helps them break that 100-yr drought it makes those regrets much easier to swallow.

[gRYFYN1]

Well as far as "who they got" I would be the last to question Beane.

Also, as far as 'their shot this year' I don't think beane really thinks like that, in the end he will do what best for the long term.

Ad lastly can we get a Poll as to who goes on the DL 1st Sheets or Hardin?

[mnstonecold]

Cubs are playing Russian roulette with Harden. I think they'll be regretting this trade in a year or so, but if it helps them break that 100-yr drought it makes those regrets much easier to swallow.

Ad lastly can we get a Poll as to who goes on the DL 1st Sheets or Hardin?

Agreed on both points. Milwaukee and the Cubs made the first 'shockling' deal but remember there's 3, Three months of baseball to be played.
Both acquistions were from the Al. Who' to say they don't fae as well against the weaker NL.

It's a waiting game folks....

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Just a thought. Isn't Harden more likely to get injured in the NL since he'll have to swing the bat and run the bases as well? Have fun with him Cubbie fans .

[RedsoxRockies]

My Guess is Harden has a pet goat and a black cat, and he brings his goat to the park with his cat. Then the cat spooks the goat, which charges, gets Zambranno mad, and Zambrano punches at the goat but misses, hittiing harden and in the process breaks his knuckles. Both go on the DL for the season. Then Ron Santo goes to the game and the cat runs by him

[KowboyKoop]

SWEET!!


And give up nothing but Gallagher(who might turn into a 3 or 4 starter someday)

And they signed their first round pick Andrew Cashner

The Cubs may have gotten the better end of the deal...but Gallagher is gonna be WAY more than a #3 or 4 starter. His minor league numbers at AAA are pretty darn good and he was striking out MLB batters at a pretty good rate as well..and he's not turning 23 until December. Gallagher is WAY more than potential #3 or 4 someday. He's a potential stud.

Doesn't mean the Cubs made a bad deal..but let's not go too far.

[dannymac910]

Harden's gonna be Mark Prior all over again.

[koolzach1]

No doubt...

[koolzach1]

Harden would make a SICK closer/reliever, though... that is if it doesn't work out as a SP (health wise)

[MichelleWie]

**** da cubs!