Rich Harden

The other big trade that happened recently was the Cubs’ acquisition of the oft-injured Rich Harden from Oakland. This move is typical of Oakland’s business model, which involves shedding young stars before they get too expensive, often in exchange for other young or undervalued stars. In this way, they’re similar to the Florida Marlins, except that the Marlins tend to load up for concentrated runs at the championship (they have as many championships in the last decade as big-market Boston, and more than the Cubs have in the past hundred years), while the A’s tend towards consistent competitiveness.

Continue reading "NL Central Trade Analysis, Part Two"

It’s been three days since the Cubs acquired former Oakland ace Rich Harden, and those three days have shown a lot about the club. Harden has said he couldn’t be happier in pinstripes and has so far looked like a good fit in the clubhouse. He instantly has formed a sort of kinship with fellow British Columbian Ryan Dempster, and has received the praise of pitching coach Larry Rothschild. Like fellow former American Leaguer stud pitcher “CC” Sabathia, Harden has been place right in the middle of the Senior Circuit’s best race so far. With the Central’s big three clubs separated by less than five games, the division could go either way. For the Cubs,

Continue reading "All-Star Break Push: Harden added, ..."

ens or a Ben Sheets there's a five foot something, a hundred and something Greg Maddux or Rich Harden.

Based on what it takes to be a successful hitter and/or pitcher in baseball, I don't know if I fully buy the argument that the game is lacking of superior athletes. Would Ken Griffey Jr. be playing pro basketball if he grew up in this era rather than the 1970's? I'm not so sure. A sweet swing is a sweet swing. Is A-Rod really going to choose football or basketball over baseball, a sport he's dominated since he was a youth. Even if you look at the premier athletes in basketball and football in the 80's and 90's, Michael Jordan and Deion Sanders, one couldn't hit and the other was above average but not great.

Continue reading "Forget the Athletes, Give me the Gamers!"

ngels offense instantly boasts more pop than they demonstrated last year.

Oakland Athletics

Can Rich Harden and Bobby Crosby finally stay health?

And to follow up on that question, if they are healthy, will they still be in Oakland at the end of the season?

Continue reading "MLB 2008 Season Preview: American League West"