October 8, 2008 The Cubs have decided to pick up Rich Harden's $7 million option for 2009, according to the AP.
Our View:The team was waiting for the 30-year-old pitcher to visit with a shoulder specialist before making a decision on his option, but the team is apparently not concerned about the injury-prone pitcher's health after picking up his option. He maintained a solid 2.07 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 148 innings this season.
October 7, 2008 Rich Harden will have his shoulder examined this week, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs want to know if there are any problems before deciding whether or not to pick up his $7 million option for next season.
Our View:Harden's velocity dropped significantly towards the end of the season. He still had an outstanding season overall, with an ERA of 2.07 and 10 wins over 25 starts and 148 innings. He will always be a high-risk, high-rewards type of guy for fantasy owners based on his yearly injuries.
October 5, 2008 Rich Harden allowed three earned runs on five hits over 4.1 innings in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS, with three walks and four strikeouts.
Our View:Harden was strong in the regular season with a 10-2 record and 2.07 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but could not prevent the Cubs from getting swept by the Dodgers.
October 4, 2008 Rich Harden says his shoulder is fine despite that he had to get a cortisone shot last month, according to the Arlington Daily Herald. "Just regular maintenance," said Harden. "I guess some people think it's an issue. There's nothing going on. Regular maintenance, getting ready for the postseason."
Our View:Harden will always be a question mark health-wise, but he shouldn't be hampered at all by the shoulder tonight.
September 22, 2008 Rich Harden will have his next start pushed back to Thursday with Sean Marshall filling in on Tuesday, according to the Cubs Official Website. Harden is not hurt. "Harden says it's the best he's felt, but we're starting to get ourselves rearranged for the postseason," manager Lou Pinella said.
Our View:We will take the club at its word here, though with Harden you always have to hold your breath when any changes are enacted. If you have Harden on your roster you simply cannot bench him, so roll him out there an hope the Cubs are on the up and up.
