You knew that after Monday’s trade (where Milwaukee picked up CC Sabathia), the Cubs had to act…and act they did. The Chicago Cubs acquired P Rich Harden from Oakland in a six player trade on Tuesday. Harden has had six trips to the disabled list the last six years…but his potential is tremendous. I think this is obviously a knee-jerk trade, but I think it’s a start in strengthening the team in what should not only be a playoff run, but a run deep into the playoffs. Ultimately in the end, pitching gets you places and the Cubs have improved there.
I’ve seen that yesterday’s trade that Milwaukee pulled affected teams in the wild card race. I think the Cubs had to have been concerned about the ground Milwaukee is making up that they had to act immediately. Lots of baseball left, especially head to head.
Ironically, Old Style is brewed in Milwaukee, but loved by Chicagoans.
Should be an interesting summer….think the Busch people might feel left out??
Ponson anybody? Don’t be surprised if the Cardinals make a move as well to bolster their pitching. There are still quality arms out there that teams are willing to trade (Ponson anyone, JK). Names that come to mind are: Daniel Cabrera (Orioles), Joe Blanton (A’s), Brett Myers (Phillies), Aaron Cook (Rockies), Greg Maddux (Padres), Noah Lowry (Giants). Cardinals still feel like they have a chance to win the NL Central (doesn’t everybody), but I don’t buy that they’ll stick in the hunt when it comes to August. It will be down to the Cubs and the Brewers for the division crown and I feel a lot will depend on who pans out more: Harden or Sabathia? I feel the Cubs will come out on top somehow though.
This division is stacked Three legit teams all with a shot at the crown and the runner up assured the wild card. The latter point might makes things a bit less interesting for the rest of the country, but the midwest is loving it. Let’s be honest, if the brewers or cardinals were in the west, they would be romping. I have to think the high priced- high talent Cubs will hold on. Harden is a great guy to have in your rotation, particularly in an area with good hospitals.
St Louis will seek a SD starter (wolf or maddux), though I would love to see a big deal for Bedard of SEA to get him in some meaningful games.