The Cubs officially answered the Brewers’ recent acquisition of pitcher C.C. Sabathia by nabbing a quality starter of their own. Chicago acquired A’s pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in exchange for RHP Sean Gallagher, OF Matt Murton, INF Eric Patterson and C Josh Donaldson.
The Cubs weren’t scared off by the fact that Harden has had six stints on the disabled list over the past three-plus seasons.
“Obviously there’s some risk involved,” Hendry told Chicago reporters. “He’s missed some time but he’s never had any surgery. We did extensive work with their doctors.”
Harden said he was excited about joining the Cubs but said his emotions were mixed.“I think it’ll be good,” Harden said. ” They’re a good team and they’ve got a chance to do something special. It’s tough leaving here at the same time. I’ve been here my whole career.”
Gaudin, expected to join Chicago’s bullpen, was less than thrilled in May when the A’s switched him from starting to relieving. He left McAfee Coliseum on Tuesday before reporters could find him for comment.
This was a tremendous move for the Cubs. Harden is a stud when healthy and Chicago sorely needed another arm in their rotation. Harden, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly make up a terrific starting four and certainly one that would allow them to make a deep postseason run if they continue to build on their first half success.
