Rich Harden

[sheetskout]

The Cubs are reportedly parting ways with Rich Harden (and Reed Johnson).

 

http://www.chicagotribune...0,765793.story?track=rss

 

Not that this is really surprising (or news) for that matter, I have a feeling that with the increased financial flexibility resulting from the Hardy/Gomez deal, that rumor activity involving the Brewers will probably start to heat up. Thoughts?

 

Personally, I would like to see the Brewers take a chance on a arm with upside like Harden.

[brewmann04]

i rather see him than Mulder if the brewers go that way,also i would not mind them taking Johnson also from the cubs.

[Mike]

I'm all for Rich Harden, especially over Mulder.

 

Why anyone in Milwaukee would want Reed Johnson is beyond me. After the Gomez deal, you'll have Carlos, Gerut, Schafer and Cain. No sense adding Johnson to that mix. Trade two of the four mention CF options for SP not another OF (I understand Reed is a FA).

[dadofandrew]

Reed might fit in nicely as a reserve OF, especially if Gerut or Cat is kept around as the other reserve. Reed is solid at all 3 spots, has some pop, and gets on base nicely. Reed and Gabe Gross (or Gerut) would likely be close to prototypical "ideal" reserve OF's...and they would not embarrass you as a platoon option should injury occur.

[Hate those Rodents]

Not really sure why the Mulder and Harden comparisons are being made above. One (Harden) is going to cost a heck of a lot more guaranteed money than the other (Mulder). They really shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence, much less in a comparison about which of the two you'd prefer as though they are in the same situation this off-season.

[homer]

I'd take a gamble on harden for the right price although I have a feeling someone is going to give him a lot more than I'd want the Brewers to risk.

[RockCoCougars]

Harden would be a worthwhile addition and worth a reasonable risk. I wouldn't go more than three years at about $10 million per though. The thing about Harden is that if he's not durable enough to be a starter, I've always thought that he would be a great closer. Maybe they could sign him with the idea of moving him to the bullpen if he's not able to log enough innings as a starter.

[BADGERJOBOB]

Would have to limit his innings but when Harden is good, he is very good. I would actually combine him with Suppan and use a two-headed pitching combo with them. This way you control Harden's pitch count and well Suppan pitches less which is always a good thing but still gets consistent innings which does help with control and such.

[TooLiveBrew]

Latest from Buster Olney is that the BoSox "do not have serious interest in [him]" (via MLBTraderumors)

[Nader Raider Tim]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=3719

 

Harden is apparently willing to take a 1 year incentive based contract. The offseason would be so, so, much nicer with a high upside arm like Harden.

 

Offer him a 1 Year 10 million dollar deal with 500,000 for 100 IP, 125 IP, 150 IP, etc.

 

Logically Harden is probably out of the Brewers price range with the signings of Wolf and Hawkins. On the other hand Harden could be the "difference maker" that could justify going overbudget.

[davego]

Here might be the "one-year high-risk" guy others are interested in. Might be worth it if the contract can mostly be based upon performance.

[Invader3K]

Maybe they could make room for Harden, but they'd probably have to non-tender Bush.

[Bombers]

Harden to the Rangers is what NBC is reporting. 1 year 7.5 million with a team option for 11.5 million. Link