Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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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.
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).
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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