Harden to have shoulder exam; Cubs pick up option

[erik316wttn]

I'd take the risk on Harden. He's well worth it.

[CarolinaCubFan]

If Zambrano pitched like an ace this past year, I'd be all for Harden. Z has me worried, I'm getting Wood and Prior flashbacks. Having said this, I still think you gotta bring Harden back, I just hope there is some sort of back up plan.

[GvilleCub]

As long as the exam results don't entail some worst case scenario, Harden's option must be picked up. For just one year, it is a worthwhile gamble that he will be pitch enough games to help the Cubs get back to the playoffs. If he ends up being injured most of the season or is simply ineffective despite being "healthy", then you can let him walk at the end of the year or sign him at some reduced $ contract for 2010 and beyond. This is not the time to allow ourselves to be scared away from a potential #1/2 starter simply because of the lingering stench of Prior. If he fails, he fails, but his upside is too great to give up on yet.

[zamrambo]

According to ESPN the Cubs have exercised their option on Rich Harden for 2009.

 

Idk if it's online because I got it thru my MLB Alerts on TXT messaging from ESPN.

[Laura]

There's a thread on it in Transactions.

[Soul]

If Zambrano pitched like an ace this past year, I'd be all for Harden. Z has me worried, I'm getting Wood and Prior flashbacks. Having said this, I still think you gotta bring Harden back, I just hope there is some sort of back up plan.

 

I'd really like to put this "ghosts of Wood/Prior" thing to rest. Do we have to go through this every time a pitcher has a twinge in his arm from now on? Come on, the situations are completely and totally different.

[GvilleCub]

According to ESPN the Cubs have exercised their option on Rich Harden for 2009.

 

Idk if it's online because I got it thru my MLB Alerts on TXT messaging from ESPN.

 

Great news and smart move by the Cubs (and without being catty, how many times has that been said). It may not turn out any better than starting Dempster in game 1, but one can have hope that it will.