Harden a Cub

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 8, 2008 5:58 PM CDT

The A's have traded Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubs:

The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia.

The Cubs will receive the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer John Donaldson.

My initial reaction is...really?

That's the best the A's could do for Rich Harden?

I assume that John Donaldson is actually Josh Donaldson, who is a sandwich pick from last year who is doing nothing in the MWL.

I assume the A's love Gallagher, because there's not a lot else there they are getting.

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WHAT THE EEFFFFFFFFFFFF

I’m guessing the deal we would’ve had to put together is Hurley, Boggs, Arias, and Teagarder, which would destroy the Cubs offer and I would do that in a Heartbeat, IDK maybe I am an Idiot but good for us hello second place!

by blueballlefty on Jul 8, 2008 6:01 PM CDT 0 recs

AL West

There is no way that package gets us Harden simply because we are in the same division. Our package I believe would have had to be Teixeira-esque

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Jul 8, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think that argument....

..... is a little out dated. I think if the Angels would have had the best package out there for Tex, then we would have taken it. I think that if we offered that package and they turned it down then Beane, even with all his cred, would still get run out of town!

by blueballlefty on Jul 8, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

doubt it

If thats all they got from us and they had to face him 6-9 times over the next year and a half Beane would be roasted.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Jul 8, 2008 6:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Not trading to a rival is BS

I think the argument in general is BS. One should take the best deal available. Anything else, obviously, is inferior.

Second, a year or two back Beane had plainly denied that trading within the division is a problem. It was in an Athletics Nation interview with Beane.

Trading to a rival is not a problem for Beane. It should never be a problem with any rational GM.

It’s plain BS.

by gr7070 on Jul 8, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Trading to a rival

I know the Rangers and A’s have made several deals in the past few years, but I can’t remember either of them dealing with the M’s or Angels recently.

"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky

by RCCook on Jul 8, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

trading within a division

Trading spare parts is completely different from trading an ace type pitcher.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Jul 8, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

FWIW

The question I was referring to in teh AN interview with Beane was about a major talent. I don’t remember who, but it was not a spare parts deal he was asked about.

by gr7070 on Jul 9, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up 0 recs

no way they trade him within the div

by Agreen07 on Jul 8, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up 0 recs

kind of an

underwhelming package, but Harden’s injuries would worry me a lot if I was a Cub fan.

by BHill on Jul 8, 2008 6:02 PM CDT 0 recs

And to think

We were asking for Murton/Gallagher for Marlon Byrd

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 8, 2008 6:02 PM CDT 0 recs

and we would ahve got Murton just for Byrd

"I really think JD is probably going to be one of the best things ever to happen to the Rangers." - Longhorn, May 27th, 2007

by Longhorn on Jul 8, 2008 6:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

I just heard the words

“When healthy”

87 times in a row on ESPN.

by SaltyGoesYard on Jul 8, 2008 6:04 PM CDT 0 recs

...not too happy over there at the Nation…

by oc on Jul 8, 2008 6:06 PM CDT 0 recs

I don't blame them

What happened to the “Haren like package”

There has to be some kind of serious injury concern.

by TheBZA on Jul 8, 2008 6:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah!

They want a Harden-ed package! A big fat bulgy one.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Rangers comp:

Closest thing I can think of….

Hurley/Cruz/Pina/Arias, for Harden/Gaudin.

"Mr. Hicks, you watch, I'm going to be a leader on this team." Kinsler

by sprite on Jul 8, 2008 6:07 PM CDT 0 recs

What confuses me is...

why the hell they had to throw in Gaudin, as well.

That guy is a useful pitcher. I know Harden could blow out his arm and Gallagher could become a solid #3 guy in the rotation, but damn…what a weak return for Harden.

by ghostofErikThompson on Jul 8, 2008 6:08 PM CDT 0 recs

+1

I’m not surprised Harden got moved for what seems by fans to be an underwhelming package.

What I don’t get is why Gaudin was packaged.

by philkid3 on Jul 8, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

lol

first beane screws up the draft, now this.

BWAHAHA

"I really think JD is probably going to be one of the best things ever to happen to the Rangers." - Longhorn, May 27th, 2007

by Longhorn on Jul 8, 2008 6:09 PM CDT 0 recs

I'm thinking it's prudent to wait a while before being certain he screwed up.

by philkid3 on Jul 8, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

you can say that about everything

what’s the fun in that

"I really think JD is probably going to be one of the best things ever to happen to the Rangers." - Longhorn, May 27th, 2007

by Longhorn on Jul 8, 2008 6:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'm not sure what the fun in the reverse is.

by philkid3 on Jul 8, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

Beane screwed up

I understand why beane felt that he had to make a deal quick with such a fragile pitcher, but honestly, anyone with some knowledge of the cubs’s system knows that chicago fleeced the A’s of their prime trade piece and a useful pitcher for a good (not great) pitcher and a lot of fluff. There was talk of the A’s wanting vitters in the trade before, but they couldn’t get him apparently. It would make sense if the A’s could get a PTBNL though.

baseBALLIN!

by kevzta on Jul 8, 2008 6:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

SO........

........where does this put Padilla in the available pitchers? If he’s healthy this could put him right up there at the top!

by blueballlefty on Jul 8, 2008 6:23 PM CDT 0 recs

Well...

based off what the A’s just got for Harden, I’d say the Rangers would get back 10 maple bats for Padilla.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jul 8, 2008 7:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

If this all the A's got for Harden

I’m curious to see what they will get for Blanton.

"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley

by boomer1 on Jul 8, 2008 6:23 PM CDT 0 recs

Adam

Can’t you just put DSheppard’s thread on the front page? It already has ~50 comments.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2008 6:25 PM CDT 0 recs

probably because he wanted to write his thoughts about the trade.

"I really think JD is probably going to be one of the best things ever to happen to the Rangers." - Longhorn, May 27th, 2007

by Longhorn on Jul 8, 2008 6:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yeah, I know

But there’s some pretty good talk on the other thread and
I’m on an iPhone, so it’s difficult to keep up with both threads.

I’m just being selfish I guess

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2008 6:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

Look at me

I have an iPhone.

by Anonymous New Guy on Jul 9, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up 0 recs

kewl!

by oc on Jul 9, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

BBBBeans!

Life is pain - we've got to scrape the joy from it every chance we get.

by jshcmp on Jul 9, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

In other news:

Minn just got better by getting Rodney Carney, a future first, and the incomparable Calvin Booth.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:38 PM CDT 0 recs

Saw that

more of a salary dump for the Sixers but Carney is a good piece.

by AirJordan on Jul 8, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think

He can be a VERY good piece, if given enough time and attention.

Of course, he could easily be another athletically-freakish flameout. I just have a hunch about him.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

Kevin McHale

Now, there is a GM with a plan.

"I really think JD is probably going to be one of the best things ever to happen to the Rangers." - Longhorn, May 27th, 2007

by Longhorn on Jul 8, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

Step 1.

Get more white guys.

Step 3. Profit.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

lol

by zywica on Jul 8, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

Looks like Philly is pushing hard for Josh Smith

I’d be surprised if Brand goes there.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

Brand

Would be just what they need. Smith less so.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't disagree

But considering Baron Davis and Brand are buddies, I highly doubt Baron goes to LA unless he knows Brand’s going to be there too.

by LiamP on Jul 8, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well

I just read a story claiming that LA had to renounce their Bird Rights on Brand to sign Davis. Sounded odd, and I’m not sure how that works under the CBA, but if that’s true, then they can’t really do anything contract-wise that Philly can’t.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 6:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

Oh man

A front line of AI and Brand is scary.

by AirJordan on Jul 8, 2008 6:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

And

They got him.

Philly wins with a 5 year, 82 million deal.

They just got a shitload better.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Oh and

Maggette to GS. Takes care of whatever threat he might have posed in San Antonio.

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

What

the hell is Baron Davis thinking right now? He gets to play with shit. Sucks for him. Clippers have to go hard after Smith now.
Warriors are gonna be athletic as hell next year with Maggette.

by AirJordan on Jul 8, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

Baron Davis

Is thinking that he’s a selfish player who just got a big payday and exclusive franchise-player status.

He does seem like a nice enough guy, though, and one probably not portrayed all that accurately in the media. Oh well. I’m not crying for him. Feel good for Brand, though. If he can stay healthy, they’ve got a legit chance to do well. I still think they need a better backcourt (I like Miller, but not Green) to be able to actually compete, though.

If they could have done this without giving up Carney and change, I’d wonder if Kidd could fit in there…

by brettgardner on Jul 8, 2008 10:51 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't know

I like Miller more than Kidd at this point.

by AirJordan on Jul 8, 2008 11:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

Baron Davis is loving this

he gets the pressure taken off again, no expectations, ... it’s much easier to sneak up on people that way. I’m sure he’s aware.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 9, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up 0 recs

Even Atl

wouldn’t be dumb enough to let Smith go….

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

LSB facebook group ---->>> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33345329288

by hinduplaya on Jul 8, 2008 7:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

wow

awful deal for the a’s.

even if harden is injury prone he’s still worth more than that

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 8, 2008 7:20 PM CDT 0 recs

Wow

That is one of the worst trades I’ve ever seen. That might rank up there with the CY deal as far as stupid trades go – I feel sorry for A’s fans.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 8, 2008 7:44 PM CDT 0 recs

Crap

That’s two days in a row I’ve done that. AJM can delete the duplicate if he’d like.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 8, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up 0 recs

Wow

That is one of the worst trades I’ve ever seen. That might rank up there with the CY deal as far as stupid trades go – I feel sorry for A’s fans.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 8, 2008 7:44 PM CDT 0 recs

Really?

I think you may be underrating Gallagher here. I know he has put up very good numbers each step of the minors, so far in the majors, and was the cubs’ #5 prospect coming into the year according to BA.

Also, even if Harden stays healthy he’s still only under control for the rest of this season and next season (2009 option). I honestly don’t think it is all that bad of a deal really, though I’m still skeptical that Harden can stay healthy….

by jcir454 on Jul 8, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

No way....

Harden was going to be a FA after next season and they didn’t want to sign him. Money was not a part of JD’s thinking at all in the CY deal. Are you on crack?

by Agreen07 on Jul 8, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

it might not have been a great deal

but to give up CY and AGon for Eaton and Aki isn’t really even a close deal.

by Agreen07 on Jul 8, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

didnt realize

that he was only signed one more season past this. I thought he was signed through ‘10.

I'm sorry my parents never had me sarcamsized.

by rchawk12 on Jul 8, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sweet!

thanx Billy. Im sure the Angels are even more enthused. thats very John Daniels december 2005 of you.

"Do they know who I am? Do they know my status? Thats what I thought."
-Miles 6/21/08

.501 or bust!

by Jayslick on Jul 8, 2008 8:11 PM CDT 0 recs

Neyer Likes the Deal

1. He thinks Beane recognizes that the As probably aren’t really competing for a playoff spot.
2. That Harden can’t stay healthy.
3. Murton and Patterson “makes the A’s outfield better immediately”.
4. Donaldson’s a throw-in more or less.
5. Of course the key to the deal: Similar to the A’s trading Mulder and getting Dan Haren plus two prospects. Since then, Haren has won 51 games and Mulder has won 22.
6. “the A’s might be better right now than they were yesterday. Beane’s giving up on 2008? Nah. He’s just retooling for the stretch run.”

by gr7070 on Jul 9, 2008 8:45 AM CDT 0 recs

I agree with #1-#4

The A’s get more certainty in their rotation, more utility in their outfield (and Patterson can help in the infield as well), and Gallagher is under team control for a long while (as are the others). Both Patterson and Gallagher were top 100 prospects I think. I think Beane did alright under the circumstances. I don’t think many teams would have given up as much for such a huge injury risk.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 9, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up 0 recs

Law not as high on the deal as Neyer

“What Oakland gets is an unexciting package of “stuff,” with no top-shelf prospect or high-ceiling player, but several players of value.”

Law presents some info regarding Harden’s recent starts and ends with this
“There’s some risk that he’s already breaking down, and it’s possible that the A’s knew that and wanted to act quickly before his value plummeted.”

Of course everyone knows what the Cubs are getting.

by gr7070 on Jul 9, 2008 8:58 AM CDT 0 recs