Cubs not to bring back Harden?

**Iastfan112** · 09-28-2009, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

Yep...it was the same reason that the Cubs didn't offer arbitration to Kerry Wood after last year...they were afraid that he might accept the offer.

I would say in Harden's case its worth the risk, he's performed pretty well and I'm betting would get a better deal in the open market(#1 capable pitchers are pretty rare) than he would in arby.

**TarHeelHawk** · 09-28-2009, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Iastfan112

I would say in Harden's case its worth the risk, he's performed pretty well and I'm betting would get a better deal in the open market(#1 capable pitchers are pretty rare) than he would in arby.

I don't know...I've been kinda of "cubbed out" since that disaster of a road trip the Miami and Denver...it was painfully obvious that they wouldn't recover. They've had a nice September, but they've done it without any pressure since the race ended a month ago.

That being said, I don't think pitching is the issue. Finding a replacement for Bradley and finding a bat at 2nd base (hint: current SS) are bigger priorities in my opinion.

The key for Hendry this offseason is knowing what his teams needs are, and not overthinking what it might take to fix them. He isn't going to have much money to spend, so he's going to have to get creative.

**Steve** · 09-28-2009, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Iastfan112

I would say in Harden's case its worth the risk, he's performed pretty well and I'm betting would get a better deal in the open market(#1 capable pitchers are pretty rare) than he would in arby.

I'm not so sure about a better open market deal in Harden's case. A team's offer will discount the loss of their draft choice. What you typically gain in a free agent deal is long term stability. Teams will think twice about this given the injury risk involved. He has the stats to justify a big arbitration contract, but lacks the durability to justify a blockbuster long term deal. I actually think that the Cubs let him walk because he is not in their long term plans. Offering arbitration simply leaves them facing the same dilemma next year without addressing their long term needs.

**Bobber** · 09-28-2009, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

I don't know...I've been kinda of "cubbed out" since that disaster of a road trip the Miami and Denver...it was painfully obvious that they wouldn't recover. They've had a nice September, but they've done it without any pressure since the race ended a month ago.

That being said, I don't think pitching is the issue. Finding a replacement for Bradley and finding a bat at 2nd base (hint: current SS) are bigger priorities in my opinion.

The key for Hendry this offseason is knowing what his teams needs are, and not overthinking what it might take to fix them. He isn't going to have much money to spend, so he's going to have to get creative.

Yes... I agree.

**superdorf** · 09-28-2009, 10:14 PM

When did Harden last pitch?

I forgot too... Get rid of him!

**Clark** · 09-29-2009, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

Yep...it was the same reason that the Cubs didn't offer arbitration to Kerry Wood after last year...they were afraid that he might accept the offer.

True, but I would think the Cubs wouldn't mind Harden accepting. His numbers weren't good enough to give him an enormous raise and there is very little risk in a one year deal.

I don't know if I trust Wells and Gorzelanny. And I know I don't trust Marshall or Samardzija.