The Cubs traded for pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin midseason, and both pitchers helped the Cubs clinch the Central Division.
I'm going to look at the trade for both the Cubs and the A's and see how all players fit into future plans for both teams.
THE TRADE
CUBS GET--SP RICH HARDEN, RP CHAD GAUDIN
A'S GET----OF MATT MURTON, UTL ERIC PATTERSON, SP SEAN GALLAGHER, C JOSH DONALDSON
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CUBS:
The Cubs picked up Rich Harden's option for 2009. It was a $7 million option, and I think the Cubs will reap the benefits with Harden. He can be a great number starter for the Cubs when healthy. Gaudin will be a good part of the 2009 bullpen. The Cubs will be very happy with both of these right arms.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE A'S:
Gallagher made 11 starts for the A's in the 2nd half. He went 2-3 with a 5.88 era. He did make an appearance on the disabled list, however. I think the A's will be very happy with Gallagher. Will he ever be a number one starter? Probably not. Can he be a very solid number 3 starter eventually? Definitely. Gallagher has the mentality that you love as a starter. He won't back down to anyone and is a "gamer." Matt Murton was basically what we saw with him as a Cub. He only had 30 at-bats for the big league team, getting only 3 hits. He spent most of his time in Triple A. Eric Patterson struggled, as well. He didn't do enough to solidify a starting spot for 2009, like the A's were hoping. He batted .174 in 30 games for Oakland. Donaldson played at High-A Stockton and improved his hitting over the 2nd half.
This deal could work out for both teams if Gallagher develops. Patterson could eventually be a good starter in the Majors, but it might be a while. Murton looks to be a career "tweener," where he bounces from Triple A to the big leagues. With Donaldson, it's too early to tell how well he will become.
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1 comment:
I think the big thing about this deal that I like is that we traded away possible potential for proven arms.
Yes, we have to put on the protective gloves at times with Harden and Gaudin did have back troubles this year, but both are proven guys.
If we can keep Gaudin heathly he will be a great guy to have in middle relief which has been a strong problem of the Cubs in recent seasons.
What can you say about Harden? The man is a proven front of the rotation arm. I think with a good off season training he can come back in 2009 strong as ever and give a big boast to our rotation.
Murton, Patterson, Gallagher and Donaldson were all good prospects the Cubs had in the minors but were also blocked at their positions and in the end I think it was another great deal by Hendry.
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