Rich Harden's contract

[a-rod]

Harden has been the Cubs' most consistent starter in the second half with a 3-1 record and 1.64 earned-run average, with a 4-1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. But he could become a sought-after free agent after the season, so the Cubs have to make a decision on how much they're willing to offer him.

General manager Jim Hendry never considered trading Harden before the July 31 deadline, believing the Cubs would be in contention the rest of the season.

Whether they are or not now, eight games behind the Cardinals in the National League East and seven in back of the Rockies for the wild card, they will have plenty of competition to re-sign Harden. At 27, his strong second half and career numbers should make him an attractive option in a relatively lean year for starters.

"I kind of don't even want to talk about it right now," Harden said. "I still have to get through the season and pitch well here. Our focus is definitely on what we have to do this season, and not afterward. Yeah, I definitely like it here."

Issues over Harden's brittle shoulder seemed to evaporate in the second half, and he's averaging about six innings per start, on pace for eight more starts. That would give him 29 for the season, his most since making 31 with Oakland in 2004.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ba ... 9865.story

[a-rod]

What are the chances of him coming back?, as yankees fan i hope he files for free agency, because I think harden would work out great in the Bronx. No pressure on him to be an ace but he can be a solid #2 pitcher and He instantly improves the rotation and gives the Phil Hughes time to mature in Trip A and in the bullpen.

[SportsWorld]

The Cubs payroll situation is hell for the next few years so I bet the Cubs offer him arbitration to get draft picks and let him walk. The only way I really see the Cubs keeping Rich is via a 1 year deal.

[GYBE]

I love Rich Harden and I don't want to lose a Canadian, but there's simply no way we can offer him a long-term contract. We already have almost $30 million a year on TWO starters for a long time (Z and Dempster). If it's choosing between a deal for Lilly or Harden, we need to sign Ted. He's consistent and healthy. Rich Harden is the most fragile pitcher in the game. It's a miracle he's stayed this healthy with us, his injuries will come back. He could only average around 5-10 starts a year for the duration of his next contract and I wouldn't be surprised.

[The Sheik]

Would Harden qualify as type A? If so I take the draft picks and let him walk. This opens up a spot for Randy Wells and possibly Sean Marshall/a signed #5 guy. I would do the same with Grabow and at worst we get them both back on one yr deals. Best case scenario we get 2 high round picks with hopefully new management in place to rebuild the farm a little.