7.09.2008

Cubs Acquire Harden, Gaudin in 6-Player Swap


Before this evenings' Cubs game, it was announced that Jim Hendy had pulled the trigger on a 6-player deal sending talented Oakland ace Rich Harden to the Cubs along with reliever Chad Gaudin.  As part of the move, Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, and minor-league catcher Josh Donaldson have been sent to the Oakland A's.  Gallagher is expected to join the A's rotation, while Murton and Patterson will be sent to Triple-A Sacramento (Donaldson may be promoted to the A's Double-A team).  The Cubs, meanwhile, gain a talented, young, right-handed ace pitcher to pair with Carlos Zambrano and strengthen the rotation.  In Gaudin, they also receive a valuable bullpen arm.  Harden is expected to make a start for the Cubs this weekend against the San Francisco Giants.  This move will no doubt add more depth to the Cubs starting rotation by allowing the Cubs to match-up with any N.L. club (including Milwaukee's C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets).  Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, and Marquis/Marshall combination are expected to fill-out the remaining three slots.

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