The Chicago Cubs responded quickly to the news that the division rival Milwaukee Brewers had traded for CC Sabathia. GM Jim Hendry pulled the trigger on a deal that had been in the works for quite some time, sending pitcher Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton (OF), Eric Patterson (OF), and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson to the A's in exchange for pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin.
The talented but often-injured Harden will give the Cubs a potent 1-2 punch of their own with ace Carlos Zambrano that rivals the Brewers new duo of Sabathia and Sheets. And, despite giving up the previously untouchable Gallagher, they receive a pitcher under contract until the end of 2009 rather than the rental that Sabathia was. However, any discussion of Harden's value must mention is string of injuries. Although dominant when healthy (he's gone 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in the AL), Harden has been plagued by injuries, including a month long stint on the DL earlier this year for a strain in his throwing shoulder.
Harden has started 13 games so far this year, matching is total of the previous two injury riddled years... combined. Gaudin will provide the Cubs a bit more depth since he can fill out the bullpen or start if needed.
The A's of course received talented young players in return. As I mentioned, Gallagher was previously unavailable and has shown quite a bit of promise. Murton was formerly a top prospect in the Cubs system but has struggled over the past two years while being shuttled between the majors and minors.
This move will no doubt calm the fears of Cub fans everywhere after seeing a reigning Cy Young pitcher get traded to a division rival, however the true value of this trade will depend solely on Harden's ability to stay healthy.
Leave A Comment...