04-02-2010, 02:59 PM
<!--quoteo(post=85617:date=Apr 2 2010, 01:32 PM:name=1060Ivy)-->QUOTE (1060Ivy @ Apr 2 2010, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Harden is a frustrating talent but for a period of time in 2009, Harden was the Cubs best starter.
From mid July to August 2009, Harden averaged 6 1/3 innings per start, ERA of 2.45, 69 K to 22 BB in 55 innings of work. He didn't skip or miss a start in these 9 games. Unfortunately, the Cubs didn't hit worth shit during this stretch and went 4 - 5. BTW, if you drop off the final game against the Astros where he gave up 5 ER in 5 innings, his ERA during the period drops to 1.80.
I'm fine with the Cubs decision not to sign him due to his inability to stay healthy but the Cubs were a much better team with a healthy Rich Harden.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
All else being equal, as a 5th starter, sure, but you don't pay a 5th starter who can't stay healthy and can't consistently go 6 innings a start close to $10 mil.
Harden wasn't right from September of 2008 on. He showed flashes of being the guy we first acquired, but not much else. I'm still glad he's gone. What a frustrating pitcher to watch.
From mid July to August 2009, Harden averaged 6 1/3 innings per start, ERA of 2.45, 69 K to 22 BB in 55 innings of work. He didn't skip or miss a start in these 9 games. Unfortunately, the Cubs didn't hit worth shit during this stretch and went 4 - 5. BTW, if you drop off the final game against the Astros where he gave up 5 ER in 5 innings, his ERA during the period drops to 1.80.
I'm fine with the Cubs decision not to sign him due to his inability to stay healthy but the Cubs were a much better team with a healthy Rich Harden.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
All else being equal, as a 5th starter, sure, but you don't pay a 5th starter who can't stay healthy and can't consistently go 6 innings a start close to $10 mil.
Harden wasn't right from September of 2008 on. He showed flashes of being the guy we first acquired, but not much else. I'm still glad he's gone. What a frustrating pitcher to watch.