Cubbies get Harden

[HoustonGM]

Both acquistions were from the Al. Who' to say they don't fae as well against the weaker NL.

Generally, when you go to the weaker league, and you get to face a pitcher rather than a designated hitter, you're going to do better. Sure, anything's possible, but we can say the same thing about any trade ever. For what it's worth, Rich Harden has been absolutely filthy against NL teams for his career, and especially so in his 4 interleague starts this year.

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.

Most scouts would disagree because he doesn't have any real outstanding out-pitch. He's got three/four solid pitches, which makes for a solid mid-rotation starter usually, but not an ace.

[Reade]

Most scouts would disagree because he doesn't have any real outstanding out-pitch. He's got three/four solid pitches, which makes for a solid mid-rotation starter usually, but not an ace.

Thank you. And actually he would be a better bullpen guy than starter in the long run. He's got a mid to high 90's fastball with a couple of average off speed pitches. He needs to work on making one of those off speed pitches really good and become a 7th or 8th inning man.

[TheNamelessPoet]

As got robbed on this one. Those players weren't worthy of Harden by himself. I wonder what Bedard can get the Ms?

amen.... just like the hudson deal sure worked out for us

[HoustonGM]

Thank you. And actually he would be a better bullpen guy than starter in the long run. He's got a mid to high 90's fastball with a couple of average off speed pitches. He needs to work on making one of those off speed pitches really good and become a 7th or 8th inning man.

I think he can do just fine as a starter. In fact, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Gallagher surprises in the second half with a nice run, taking advantage of the friendly confines in Oakland.

[Clay Dreslough]

Well Billy Beane must know something that we all dont know. Most of these players sound like average players.

I'm guessing Billy Beane has some medical info -- that Harden will continue to have injury trouble.

[rogue9]

I'm guessing Billy Beane has some medical info -- that Harden will continue to have injury trouble.

I don't think you need to see medical info to see a trend with him being consistently injured.

[dannymac910]

Harden's gonna be Mark Prior all over again.

LOL! some guy on around the horn said this exact thing today!

[HoustonGM]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...articleid=7774

A long in-depth look at the deal from both sides.

[rogue9]

I am paraphrasing, but Beane on the radio this morning basically said Harden has been injured before and will be injured again in the future. He cited injuries as what has hobbled the As in recent years.