He threw 95 pitches each of the last two times out. I'm guessing he might be on a leash of around 100, especially in July. It's interesting how Oakland handled him. Harden threw 90 pitches in his first start back, followed by 102, 105, 100, and 115. Since then, he has averaged 95 pitches with no appearances fewer than 91 pitches and none more than 99. 100 may be an arbitrary mark, but we'll see if that continues with the Cubs. 115 seems unnecessary. all these pitch counts reminds me of dare i say it (prior and wood). but i guess thats what we will have to live with. I just hope he stays healthy and doesnt remind me of those 2 again. I don't see Harden ever approaching Prior in 03 territory: 30 appearances on the season only 4 under 100 pitches 19 over 110 9 over 120 3 over 130 His last 3 starts of the 03 regular season were 123, 131, and 133. I think anything under 110 will be fine with Harden, but preferably keep it around 100. So in other words, hes fragile? Not that im shocked, its a risk we all know about.