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Cubs Acquire Harden and Gaudin - Blogger Faints
2008-07-08 16:24
by Derek Smart

Holy crap! 

Seriously, that's all I've got, other than being completely thrilled that the Cubs pulled off a deal for the only other true ace-level pitcher available.  Yes, he's fragile, so this is high-risk, high-reward, but to me, a pitcher of a healthy Harden's caliber is what is required for this team to reach the next level.

I'm a little giddy right now, so I'll have to come back and look at this with some perspective later (I'll definitely miss Gallagher - I think he's got a bright future), but for now, I'm just going to swim in this buzz.

Comments
2008-07-08 19:11:54
1.   Scott de B
Another classic Hendry midseason move. Yes, there's some risk, but didn't give up anything they can't afford to do without this season.
2008-07-08 19:38:10
2.   Ali Nagib
Getting Gaudin is what really makes this a savvy deal for the Cubs: even if Harden is hurt, there's still at least a chance for some upside. He's only 25, and while he's not likely to be a star, he's shown he can be a #4-5 starter OR an acceptable middle reliever, so even if he never gets any better, he's still valuable.

Murton is totally blocked and not that young, and Donaldson is both a throw-in AND blocked, so as far as having this come back to bite the Cubs, this is really about Gallagher and Patterson. I really don't think EP is going to be a star, but if he is, more power to him. Gallagher is a nice pitcher, but both Harden AND Gaudin could be better than him, so it's moot. This comes down to the Cubs trading from a position of strength (offense) to get two pitchers for one while improving the top line of the rotation. I really think this is a win-win deal for both teams (just like the Tribe-Crew trade).

2008-07-08 19:50:57
3.   chicagoburke
Horry Kow! Nice work Hendry. Can we be greedy and still go get Bedard? (Hill, Petrick, Fuld?)
2008-07-08 23:43:56
4.   Graham
I second everything Ali said.

What do they do with Marquis? Bullpen duty, #5 or trade bait? Not that it matters much. Hendry brought in Harden. And held out until Gaudin got put in the deal.

Now that's what I call The Art of the Deal. And the A's got guys they can use right away as well, at a price they can afford.

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