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Rich HardenJust days after the Brewers made a splash by trading for CC Sabathia, the Cubs countered by acquiring an ace of their own, picking up Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the A's in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton, minor leaguer Josh Donaldson and ... wait, that's it? Whoa. Advantage: Cubs.

Harden is obviously a huge injury risk, but no one can dispute that he's one of the most dominant pitchers in the game when healthy. In 13 starts he's been one of the best in the AL this year, posting a 2.34 ERA (1.14 WHIP) while averaging better than 10.7 strikeouts per nine.

And while Gaudin is clearly an afterthought, he's not all that bad himself, capable of eating innings from the bullpen or starting rotation.

What did it cost Chicago? Some intriguing prospects, sure, but absolutely nothing in terms of players capable of helping the Cubs win today.

Gallagher has more strikeouts than innings pitched over his minor league career, but the 22-year-old is still battling consistency on the big league level. Same story for Patterson, who's been able to rake minor league pitchers but has struggled in the majors (and at 25 years old, his time is running out).

Murton has never been fully appreciated for the Cubs, and he didn't give them any reason to in limited duty in The Show this year. Donaldson, the team's second-round pick from 2007, has upside, but he was hitting just .217 at Double-A Peoria this year and was blocked long-term by Geovany Soto.

In other words, if Harden goes on the DL tomorrow, they're no worse off than they were a week ago, at least looking at the short term. And if Harden stays healthy, well, it just might guarantee a division title.

Previously on FanHouse:
The Cubs Want Rich Harden
Can Anyone Answer Brewers Blockbuster?

NL Central Arms Race: Cubs Get Rich Harden originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chad GaudinChadGaudinEric PattersonEricPattersonJosh DonaldsonJoshDonaldsonMatt MurtonMattMurtonRich HardenRichHardenSean GallagherSeanGallagherMatt WatsonTue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:00 EST