The price was right, but …

July 9th, 2008 at 11:04pm Tony Garcia

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.

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