From Fox’s Ken “Kendry Morales was more valuable than Jeter” Rosenthal:
One major league source said Tuesday that the Red Sox are serious about pursuing Harden, who made more starts this year (26) than Smoltz and Penny combined in 2008.
The source indicated that the Red Sox have not yet offered Harden a contract.
The Cubs didn’t offer salary arbitration to Harden prior to Tuesday’s deadline, so teams can sign him without worrying about draft pick compensation. That should enhance the right-hander’s value on the open market.
First off, not sure what little Kenny is talking about regarding draft compensation, because Harden is a Type B and teams wouldn’t have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him.
But anyways….
Harden made $7 million in 2009, so the Cubs obviously did not want to run the risk of him accepting arbitration in a free agent market still being affected by a terrible economy. And if the Cubs have judged the market correctly, then the demand for Harden will be soft.
We made the case for Harden over 2 weeks ago. Maybe King Theo reads NoMaas. Or maybe he understands that a cash cow like the Red Sox (wait, the Red Sox make money?? How can that be!) can take advantage of a depressed market and drop a few million on a high risk/off-the-charts reward guy. The Yankees should be all over Harden.
The problem with Boy Wonder is that his injury-prone gambles of the past were counted on to be integral parts of the rotation. With the Yankees, we’re advocating they sign Harden as added depth to the rotation and hope for 120-140 innings. Anything else would be a bonus.
Do it, Cash.
14 Comments
Jim Leyritz's Cellmate December 2, 2009 09:52
I like your Kool Aid. I’ll drink it.
Mike K December 2, 2009 11:01
Why not Bedard?
Business Suit December 2, 2009 12:27
Bedard has thrown only 160 INN the past 2 years and doesn’t have a track record of dominance. Harden has always been great whenever he pitched.
Soxwho December 2, 2009 13:05
If the yanks arent on Harden then they know something we dont. The balked at a couple of other high risk/reward pitchers with arm problems in the past and were right (Pedro I think was one of them). I expect they are doing the same with Harden if they dont make an attempt.
On another note if Damon thinks he is worth Jeter money then he can go walk. As Michael Kay would say… See Ya!!!
greg 23 December 2, 2009 13:41
If your going after a risk reward FA then y not reunite CC with Sheets. All the above doubles for Sheets, if this guy gave anything over 170 IPs it would be gravy .
greg 23 December 2, 2009 13:44
An added plus is that Sheets & AJ could battle it out all season for the tittle of most ‘electric stuff’
LeisureSuitLarry December 2, 2009 14:01
Harden > Sheets
greg 23 December 2, 2009 18:28
Other than being four years younger I dont see what harden has over Sheets. Sheets had three straight season with over 200 IPS Harden has yet to breat the 150 IP platue. Sheets has more than double Hardens career IP and still sports a lower career ERA.
greg 23 December 2, 2009 18:32
Harden wouldn’t even be the injured ex A I’d go after, I’d bring in the Duesher and see if he can be a factor out of the pen again.
Brian December 2, 2009 20:10
i think i have read somewhere that Bedard prefers small market, low pressure environments, and that Duschesererererer has some anxiety problems that affects his bowels
so neither would be a good fit for New York, IMO
Thurman December 3, 2009 01:18
I say that Cash is playing it smart and keeping quiet. He’s not gonna announce who he intends on signing before doing it and watch something happen in a week or less if/when Kevin Towers comes to the Yankees.
That or they may have a impulsive signing if the Red Sox move first. If they do, I just hope it’s not another Kei Igawa.
Butcher December 3, 2009 07:44
When people are getting excited about Rich Harden….you know it’s a boring off season.
My Pet Goat December 4, 2009 04:49
Healthy Harden > Healthy Sheets > every other free agent
Digby Sellers’ health > Sheets’ health > Harden’s health
Jme Yankees Rule December 4, 2009 15:08
why not just sign John Lackey and be done with it? that fella has GRIT; hes not going to fold under the pressure. at least you’ll get what you pay for