CUBS STRIKE BACK

Sorry Brew Crew fans, your spotlight has dimmed. The Cubs clapped back quickly today with a huge trade of their own acquiring stud Starting Pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland A's.

The whole deal is as follows...

The Cubs picked up Pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from Oakland for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton and Josh Donaldson.

Harden is only 26 years old, and is 5-1 this year, with an 2.34 era. He also has 92 strikeouts over 13 games and has pitched 77 innings for Oakland this year. He is also 36-19 with a 3.42 ERA and a .224 opponents average over his career.

We did give up some really good young players in Gallagher and Patterson, but the good thing is they are not in our everyday rotation right now. We were able to give up some depth to get a solid starting pitcher, which is huge. Starting pitching and a lefty in the bullpen are probably our two biggest needs this season, and we were able to address the biggest one here with this trade. Pitching definitely wins chips in baseball, so hopefully this move pays off big time in the near future.

Everyone knows the main issue with Harden has been his health. He has been on the DL 5 times over the last 3 seasons. While he has been on the DL, he has never had any surgeries, which is great. Also, there is no denying that he has amazing stuff, so if he can stay healthy this season, this is definitely a great trade for the Cubs. Of course without risk, there is no reward, and with that being said, I feel like the Cubs made a great calculated risk here with this trade which should pay great dividends in the second half of the season.

Lastly, you have to give Jim Hendry props! He is definitely doing whatever it takes to help the Cubs win the Series this season. He also said he is not done dealing yet, so let's see who else they can grab to make our team stronger.

Here is an ESPN Video breaking down the Harden deal...


I'm definitely excited by this trade, as is the case with most Chicago Cubs fans. Once again, GO CUBS GO!!!