The price was right, but …

Add comment July 9th, 2008

When I first heard the news of the Rich Harden trade and who was involved from the Cubs’ side, I didn’t blink.

Sean Gallagher is fine, but in seventh or eighth in the rotation THIS YEAR. Matt Murton is a below-average fielder and didn’t have a spot on this Cubs roster. Eric Patterson, drafted as a second baseman, was miscast as a left fielder and probably doomed to Lou Piniella’s doghouse after forgetting his “Left Field for Dummies” book in Des Moines.

The only worry I had was the fabled “player to be named later.” I immediately rattled off Felix Pie, Josh Vitters, Donnie Veal and Tyler Colvin as Cubs farmhands I did NOT want in this trade. When I heard it Peoria catcher Josh Donaldson, I was fine. Sure, there was a slight sadness over the fact that Ryne Sandberg is going to need another catcher in his quest to capture the Midwest League title, but he’ll get over it.

But the reservations I had about Harden on Monday remain. He’s been creaky, and I’ve already seen the Wood & Prior Show for four seasons. I didn’t want a spinoff.

I compare it to a $1.99 complete steak dinner special at some restaurant. Sure, the T-bone might be facing a recall, and the veggies in the salad could have salmonella … but it’s $1.99!!!

Dig in … with caution.

Mixed feelings about Harden

3 comments July 9th, 2008

No doubt Rich Harden is a good pitcher, but I liked Sean Gallagher a lot. I also like Sean Marshall. I think the Cubs could have won the division with Gallagher and/or Marshall in the rotation. Harden doesn’t make them a lock; I’m not sure he’ll be able to deliver many more wins than the duo of Gallagher and Marshall could.

Harden’s Kerry Wood-Mark Prior-like injury history makes him a gamble. I also wonder how well that cranky shoulder will hold up when the temps dip in September and October. Maybe Cub fans need to pray for Global Warming.

Jim Hendry has made some good moves. I doubted Jim Edmonds would help, but I was wrong there. I hope I’m wrong about Harden. I would consider limiting his innings so that he’s healthy for the stretch run.