A's Trade Rich Harden to Chicago Cubs

It's a sad day here in the Bay Area. According to the Associated Press, Billy Beane has once again made a blockbuster trade, where the players with the big names will be leaving Oakland. The deal, announced this afternoon will send both Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Chicago Cubs.

From the article:

The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade on Tuesday, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia. The Cubs received the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson.

Harden, eligible to be a free agent after the 2009 season, is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts this season. He's scheduled to $4.75 million this season.

Chicago also received Gaudin, who was 5-3 win a 3.59 ERA in 26 games — including six starts. Last season, he was a starter all season and went 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA.

Beane typically knows what he is doing so I will once again trust his judgment in this trade. Harden has been injured so many times that he has been far from reliable. Harden has not made 30 starts in a season since 2004, when he made 31. He has only started 16 games combined over the past two seasons while suffering from both back and arm problems.

But if he remains healthy, he has just possibly given the Cubs what they need to win their first World Series in 100 years!

CC Sabathia Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers

The rumors finally were confirmed Monday as reigning American League Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia has been dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects including Matt LaPorta, Milwaukee's top prospect. Also included in the deal are Zach Jackson, a Class AAA left-hander and Rob Bryson, a Class A right-hander.

It is expected that Sabathia will remain with the Brewers for the remainder of the season before testing the free agent waters after the season. Sabathia rejected a four-year, $72 million offer from the Cleveland Indians prior to the season.

The Brewers began the Sabathia era on Monday only 3 1/2 games behind the Cubs and a percentage point ahead of St. Louis for the National League Wild Card.

This should make for a great 1-2 punch in Milwaukee with Sabathia joining Ben Sheets in the rotation. Unfortunately for the Brewers, the rest of the rotation is only mediocre at best. The offense will have to continue to step up if they want to contend with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.

The Brewers have two ways of winning this year: Either by winning the National League Central Division, or by securing the wild-card slot. Right now, the Cubs appear to be the favorites in both the National League Central and as the National League representative in the World Series but this trade has definitely helped the Brewers.

Only time will tell but at least Milwaukee is making a run at the division title this year. If their pitching staff holds up (hint hint Ben Sheets hint hint) the Brewers find themselves with a great chance to end their long playoff drought this season.