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Rich Harden

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
L
Throws
R
 
  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 180 lbs
  • Born: Nov 30, 1981

  • Debut: July 21, 2003

SEASON

IPWSKERA

Newsbreakers

December 10, 2009

Rich Harden has passed his physical, and is officially a Texas Ranger, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.

Our View:

The deal will pay him $6.5 million in 2010, while the two sides hold a $11.5 million mutual option for 2011. His $1 million 2011 buyout brings the guaranteed money in his deal to $7.5 million. While Harden brings with him a long injury history, the 26 starts he made last season were the second most of his career, and he has actually remained relatively healthy since the beginning of 2008. This could end up being a huge steal for Texas.

December 9, 2009

Updating an earlier report, the Rangers are believed to be close to signing Rich Harden, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Harden only went 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA over 26 games with the Cubs in 2009, but could benefit from a return to the AL. He could also potentially be an "ace" for Texas, with Kevin Millwood said to be bound for Baltimore.

December 9, 2009

Free agent Rich Harden is willing to sign a one-year, incentive-laden contract, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

Our View:

Such a deal would make sense for Harden, who's as talented as any starter on the market but comes with a major injury risk. Expect him to be heavily pursued by the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox and Mariners.

December 8, 2009

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports tweeted that the Mariners remain in contact with Rich Harden's rep.

Our View:

Morosi added that he is uncertain how serious negotiations have progressed. Harden could provide Seattle with a solid complement to ace hurler Felix Hernandez if signed, and he may also benefit from a return to the AL.

December 3, 2009

The Rangers are believed to be interested in hurler Rich Harden, according to MLBblogs.com.

Our View:

Texas is hopeful that Harden would consider signing a one-year deal with incentives. He has been hindered by injuries, and could use a healthy 2010 campaign to boost his free agent stock for a more lucrative deal in the future.

December 3, 2009

The Mariners are trying hard to land free agent pitcher Rich Harden, according to Fox Sports.

Our View:

Harden spent his first six seasons in the American League West, so he would not be a fish out of water in Seattle. He is also a native of nearby Victoria, British Columbia. The M's are facing serious competition from the Red Sox for his services, but sound like they should be considered a slight favorite.

December 1, 2009

According to FOXsports.com, the Red Sox are interested in the services of free agent starter Rich Harden.

Our View:

The Sox have had their eye on Harden for some time now, and he became even more attractive now that the Cubs failed to offer him arbitration. The 28-year-old righty had a 4.06 ERA and struck out 10.9 batters per inning, but those numbers were dwarfed by his 2008 stats where he posted a 2.07 ERA and 11.01 K/9. Boston remains interested though and could be looking to sign him to a long-term deal and then use prospect Clay Buchholz as trade bait. He won't cost them a draft pick, but Harden has had a hard time avoiding the injury bug over his career, to say the least, so he's still a risky sign.

December 1, 2009

Rich Harden has not been offered salary arbitration by the Chicago Cubs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View:

Not surprising, as he was never considered a strong candidate to return to the Windy City for the 2010 season. Also not offered arbitration by the Cubbies was Kevin Gregg, Reed Johnson and Chad Fox.

November 27, 2009

The Boston Globe's Chad Finn believes that Rich Harden will be a member of the Red Sox in 2010.

Our View:

It's certainly logical. While many will be scared off by Harden's prolific injury history, Boston has money to gamble on all sorts of risky players. Stay tuned.

November 10, 2009

Free agent pitcher Rich Harden's first choice is to remain with the Cubs, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

The Cubs have long been rumored to not be interested in bringing the injury prone Harden back, but would likely consider it were he to agree to a short-term, incentive laden deal.

November 8, 2009

MASNSports.com is reporting that the Nationals could be interested in free agent pitcher Rich Harden. Harden is a Type B free agent, so the team would not have to forfeit a draft pick if they were to sign him.

Our View:

Harden looks like a long shot to end up in Washington, but he could be a nice fit. The team has a pitching staff loaded with young talent, so having a veteran presence with the stuff of Harden could be beneficial for guys like Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg.

November 8, 2009

The Cubs are not likely to re-sign injury-prone hurler Rich Harden this offseason, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

The 26 starts he made last season were the most since the 31 he made for Oakland in 2004. He could find himself in a Ben Sheets type situation this offseason where no team is willing to take any sort of a long-term risk in his fragile arm. He may have to settle for a very undesirable deal.

September 28, 2009

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Rich Harden has likely pitched his last game in a Cubs' uniform. Harden has said he would like to re-sign with the club, but the Cubs don't appear to have any interest in bringing him back.

Our View:

Lou Pinella discussed the 2010 rotation with the media, and Harden's name was not even mentioned as a candidate. The team has plenty of starting pitching, and the oft-injured Harden is probably not worth the headache for them moving forward.

September 28, 2009

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have officially shut down starter Rich Harden for the rest of the regular season.

Our View:

Harden insists he's healthy, but he's just not interested in pitching. Manager Lou Piniella said. "He doesn't want to pitch, and we respect his wishes." Whereas Harden followed up with, "It was kind of a mutual decision. It'd be a lot different if we were in it and they needed me to pitch. I'd be out there in a second and I'd be fine. I'm still healthy, feeling good and took that as a positive for this season." He's saying his arm is fatigued, but it sounds like he just doens't want to pitch anymore. As a free agent at the end of the season, his tenure with the Cubs is likely finished.

September 24, 2009

Rich Harden doesn't appear likely to start again in 2009, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View:

The shut-down does not appear to be related to any discernible injury, just fatigue and recent ineffectiveness. It's quite possible the free-agent-to-be has made his last start for the Cubbies. In one and a half seasons on the North Side, Harden went 14-10 with a 3.31 ERA and 260 strikeouts in 38 starts.

September 18, 2009

ESPNChicago.com is reporting that Cubs' starter Rich Harden is denying a report that he is being shut down for the season. "They're not shutting me down and I am still feeling good and looking forward to getting back out there," Harden told the website on Friday.

Our View:

Harden has struggled lately, but if the Cubs shut down everyone who has been struggling they wouldn't be able to field a team. Fantasy owners should get Harden back for a few more starts, but the way he has been pitching lately it might be better if he was shut down.

September 17, 2009

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times reports via Twitter that Rich Harden will be skipped in the Cubs rotation.

Our View:

Manager Lou Piniella says that Harden may be bypassed a second time as well. He lasted just three innings against the Brewers on Wednesday and has not pitched well as of late. Physically he's fine, so Sweet Lou obviously isn't thrilled with the way he's throwing and he's riding the pine as a result.

September 16, 2009

Rich Harden tied his shortest outing of the season on Wednesday, allowing five runs (just two earned) in three innings, as Chicago lost 9-5 to Milwaukee at home.

Our View:

Harden has now pitched just seven innings in his past two starts. Just when you think he's taken a giant step forward, he takes a big one back. Don't draft him too high in next year's drafts.

September 11, 2009

Rich Harden allowed one earned run on two hits over four innings in Friday's 6-4 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field. He issued five walks with six strikeouts.

Our View:

Harden had control issues today, evidenced by his five walks. He has not pitched past the fifth inning in any of his last three starts.

September 5, 2009

Rich Harden pitched only five innings on Saturday, but made sure to mow down the Mets while he was in the game, striking out ten, as the Cubs went on to win 5-3 at home.

Our View:

Harden allowed just one run, and has now struck out 47 batters in his past 36 innings.

August 31, 2009

Rich Harden was roughed up for five earned runs on five hits over five innings in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Astros at Wrigley Field. He issued six walks and racked up nine strikeouts.

Our View:

Harden displayed poor control tonight, and falls to 8-8 for 2009. On the positive side, he allowed two or less earned runs in each of his previous eight starts, and still managed to be a good source for strikeouts tonight.

August 31, 2009

ESPN.com is reporting that Rich Harden will remain with the Cubs after the September 1 deadline passes. Harden was claimed by the Twins, but the two sides were reportedly unable to work out a deal.

Our View:

It has been reported that talks had broken down between the two sides, and it looks now as if Harden will be staying put for this season. It would have taken a lot for the Twins to get Harden, and the team likely felt it wasn't worth it to get the guy for one month.

August 30, 2009

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that sources close to the sitution don't believe Rich Harden will be heading to Minnesota. The Cubs have not allowed the Twins to discuss a contract extension with Harden, which has slowed down talks.

Our View:

The Twins are apparently very enamored with Harden, and some believe they would trade for him even without agreeing to an extension because he is a Type A free agent. The odds are still against a trade, but the possibility remains open.

August 28, 2009

The Minnesota Twins have claimed Rich Harden off waivers, according to ESPN Chicago.

Our View:

The Twins and Cubs have until noon on Monday to reach a deal - something that probably isn't very likely to happen. The Twins would almost certainly not re-sign him, and the Cubs would likely get next to nothing in return for a player that would only be in Minnesota for one month. Stranger things have happened, but don't bet on this one.

August 28, 2009

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs don't appear interested in trading anyone before the waiver deadline is up on Monday. Both Rich Harden and Aaron Heilman were claimed off waivers, but the Cubs have not been in contact with either claiming team.

Our View:

It sounds like the Cubs are going to keep all of their players and hope that next year goes a little more smoothly than this yeah has. Harden would be a nice addition to a team in contention, but it sounds like even the team who claimed him understands that the Cubs won't be moving him.

August 27, 2009

The Twins may be the mystery team that claimed Rich Harden off waivers from the Cubs, according to ESPN Chicago.

Our View:

If the Twins did claim Harden, the Cubs would likely want a top prospect back in return. Both teams would have 72 hours to work out a deal. This remains merely speculation, and neither Chicago nor Minnesota confirmed the story from ESPN.

August 27, 2009

According to FOXSports.com, Cubs starter Rich Harden and teammate Aaron Heilman have been claimed on waivers by an unknown team.

Our View:

Harden earns $7 million this season, but projects as a Type A free agent, so he has increased value. If the Cubs were to keep him, offer him arbitration and then he signed elsewhere they would receive compensatory draft picks. The Giants, Rockies and Dodgers could all be interested in Harden, but the Cubs won't let him go on the cheap. Stay tuned.

August 26, 2009

Rich Harden allowed just two runs in six innings for his seventh quality start in his last eight outings, but took a no-decision, as the Cubs beat the Nationals 9-4 at home.

Our View:

Harden has been one of the lone bright spots for the Cubs in the second half of the season, and looks to be finally living up to his limitless potential. Whether any team will be able to look beyond his horrifying injury history this offseason is another matter, however.

August 20, 2009

Rich Harden dominated the Padres on Wednesday as the Cubs won in San Diego by a score of 7-1. Harden went seven innings and did not allow a run on one hit while walking three and striking out eight.

Our View:

Harden is now 8-7 on the season, but he showed tonight what he is capable of. If they Cubs can get this out of Harden every fifth day, they can stay in the playoff race. Given Harden's track record, however, that seems unlikely.

August 16, 2009

According to the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Rich Harden will be skipped in the rotation since he warmed up before Sunday's rain out with the Pirates.

Our View:

Harden appears to be made of glass and the Cubs likely don't want to add any extra strain to his fragile arm. He will likely get the start on Thursday.

August 11, 2009

Rich Harden took a perfect game into the sixth inning on Tuesday night, but ended up taking a no-decision, as the Cubs lost 4-3 to Philadelphia in 12 innings at home.

Our View:

The defeat was crushing for the Cubs, but another great start for Harden. The hard-throwing righty has now allowed just eight earned runs in his last 37 innings pitched, good for a 1.95 ERA.

August 5, 2009

Rich Harden struck out nine Reds in six innings on Wednesday, but got out-dueled by journeyman Justin Lehr, as the Cubs lost 4-0 in Cincinnati.

Our View:

Harden now has 20 strikeouts in his last two starts, and has really settled down after an abysmal June and early July.

July 31, 2009

Rich Harden allowed two earned runs on five hits over five innings in Friday's 5-2 loss at Florida. He had three walks and racked up 11 strikeouts.

Our View:

Harden was dealt a no-decision, but fantasy owners should be pleased with his 11 K's. He has not taken a loss over his last three starts, and allowed two or less earned runs in each of his last four.

July 26, 2009

Rich Harden was magnificent on Sunday, allowing just one hit while striking out eight in six innings of work, as the Cubs beat the Reds 5-2 to take over first place in the National League Central.

Our View:

That's three straight impressive Harden starts after the righty struggled for most of June and early July. He's no longer walking so many batters, and giving himself and the Cubs a much better chance to win.

July 21, 2009

Rich Harden turned in his second straight quality start by allowing just one run in seven innings on Tuesday, but took a no-decision as the Cubs lost 4-1 to the Phillies in 13 innings.

Our View:

Harden appeared lost through much of May and June, but is finally getting back on track. His walks have been way down his last five starts, while his innings have been up. He's again safe to start every time out.

July 16, 2009

Rich Harden rebounded from a string of bad starts on Thursday night, and won for only the second time since May 12, as the Cubs beat the Nationals 6-2 in Washington.

Our View:

It was also his first start all season in which he did not walk a batter. Harden has not been the pitcher the Cubs thought he would be in 2009, posting a 5.06 ERA in 80 innings, but he has continued to strike out a high number of batters, and could really help the Cubs get going if he could rip off a couple of good starts in a row. Despite his struggles, he should be owned in every format.

July 10, 2009

Rich Harden was roughed up for four earned runs on seven hits over five innings in Friday's 8-3 loss to the rival Cardinals at Wrigley Field. He issued four walks with six strikeouts.

Our View:

Harden now has a losing record at 5-6, and his ERA rises to 5.47. He has given up 11 earned runs over two starts this month, and continues to struggle after going 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA over four outings in June.

July 4, 2009

Rich Harden got hammered by the Brewers on Saturday as the Cubs fell 11-2. Harden went only two innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out one. He is now 5-5 on the year.

Our View:

This is about as bad a performance as you will ever see from Harden. He didn't have the good stuff today, and fantasy owners are paying the price. Keep trotting him out there unless these starts become a habit.

June 29, 2009

Rich Harden was in control from the mound in Monday's 3-1 win at Pittsburgh, as he only allowed one earned run on nine hits over seven innings. He had one walk and racked up nine strikeouts.

Our View:

Harden now has a winning record at 5-4, and he lowered his ERA to 4.57. He snapped a four-game streak without earning a win. He is pitching well as he allowed two or less earned runs in three of his last four outings.

June 24, 2009

Rich Harden gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits over 5.1 innings in Wednesday's 5-3 loss at Detroit. He had four walks and three strikeouts, and allowed two homers.

Our View:

Harden falls to 4-4, and his ERA rises to 4.95. He is winless over his last four starts.

June 19, 2009

Rich Harden was roughed up by the Indians in Friday's 8-7 win at Wrigley Field, as he gave up seven earned runs on seven hits over five innings. He had three walks and two strikeouts, and was tagged for two homers.

Our View:

Harden had a nightmarish outing, and is lucky he was dealt a no-decision rather than a loss. Harden is now winless over his last three starts.

June 13, 2009

Rich Harden returned to the Cubs' rotation on Saturday and was hit with the L in his team's 2-0 loss to the Twins. Harden went six innings and allowed two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out nine.

Our View:

Harden was excellent today, but his offense couldn't manage to give him any help. The nine strikeouts in six innings is very impressive, but perhaps the bigger story is th fact that he only walked two. If he can keep the walks and the pitch count down, Harden can be a very good fantasy pitcher.

June 13, 2009

As expected, the Cubs have activated starter Rich Harden to pitch on Saturday, according to MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the team optioned Bobby Scales to Triple-A Iowa.

Our View:

Harden will be on an 85-pitch limit in today's start, and with his usually high pitch count he figures to be a risky play in today's game. If you don't need him today, it may be better to sit him against the hot Twins' lineup.

June 10, 2009

Rich Harden will be on a pitch count of about 85 pitches when he returns to the Cubs rotation this Saturday against the Minnesota Twins according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View:

Harden has had control issues this season, and this coupled with the fact there will be some inevitable rust with him coming off the disabled list make him a dubious start for your team this weekend. The odds of him pitching overly effectively or picking up the win seem lower than him walking five batters or lasting only four innings. Unless absolutely necessary, wait until his next start to pencil him into your lineup.

June 8, 2009

Rich Harden (back strain) fared well in Monday's rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, according to the Associated Press. He fired six strikeouts and allowed three hits and two walks over four-plus innings against Round Rock.

Our View:

Harden threw 70 pitches, with 44 landing for strikes. It looks like he should be ready to return to the Cubs' rotation this weekend, potentially Saturday against Minnesota.

June 7, 2009

Rich Harden (back strain) has been scratched from Sunday's rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

A reason why he was scratched was not disclosed. He was slated to pitch against the Twins Friday at Wrigley Field, but now looks to be pushed back.

June 5, 2009

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs' starter Rich Harden is set to make a five-inning rehab start on Sunday. Harden is suffering from a lower back strain, and he is expected to return to the Cubs' rotation next Friday.

Our View:

Harden threw a strong bullpen session on Thursday, and the team is optimistic he will be able to return next week. Barring a setback during his rehab start, fantasy owners should be ready to activate Harden for his start next Friday.

June 3, 2009

According to Bleachernation.com, injured starter Rich Harden threw 33 pitches in a pain-free bullpen session on Tuesday.

Our View:

Harden is set to throw another bullpen session on Thursday and then make a rehab start after that. If all goes well, he could be ready to rejoin the Cubs for their inter-league series against the Twins June 12-14.

May 29, 2009

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rich Harden played catch on Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL with a lower back strain. Harden is expected to rejoin the Cubs' rotation within the next two weeks.

Our View:

This is a step in the right direction for Harden, but it looks like he is still a few weeks from returning. Fantasy owners shouldn't worry too much since this is not an arm injury, but Harden is always at risk so keep that in mind going forward.

May 26, 2009

According to MLBlogs.com, Rich Harden has yet to start a throwing program since landing on the DL and likely won't be available to return on time when his stint is up.

Our View:

Harden not being injured is like Carrot Top not using props. Don't expect him to rush back in a timely fashion, but at least the injury isn't arm related. When Harden does eventually return Sean Marshall will likely get bumped to the bullpen as Neal Cotts is currently the only lefty.

May 22, 2009

The Chicago Tribune reports that Rich Harden has been placed on the 15-day DL with a back strain. Randy Wells will take his place in the rotation. This is his seventh stint on the DL since 2005.

Our View:

Harden landing on the DL is one of the few givens of the MLB season. The injury does not sound as if it is a very serious one and it's certainly good news that it has nothing to do with his arm. He is eligible to return on June 2.

May 12, 2009

Rich Harden improved to 4-1 on the season with six innings of two-run ball in which he allowed just four hits and one walk while striking out five.

Our View:

Harden had a nice start, but hasn't been nearly as dominant this season as he was last year. He's still striking out more than 11 batters per nine innings, but sports a 4.54 ERA and has trouble going deep in games. He has only gotten past the sixth inning once this season.

May 6, 2009

Rich Harden picked up his third win of the season as the Cubs won 6-3 in Houston on Wednesday. He lasted seven innings and allowed eight hits, three walks, and struck out four batters.

Our View:

This was Harden's longest outing of the season, and he needed only 99 pitches (low for him) to get 21 outs. It was also a nice bounce back performance after allowing five runs in 3.2 innings his last time out. He has been much better on the road than at Wrigley this season.

May 1, 2009

Rich Harden had a rough outing on Friday, lasting only 3.2 innings while allowing five runs on six hits with four walks and only two strikeouts. The Cubs managed to come back and beat the Marlins 8-6.

Our View:

Harden has been very inconsistent this season, and after his best start of the year on Sunday he was torched today. The most puzzling thing about this start was not that he only lasted 3.2 innings, but that he only struck out two hitters. He can usually give fantasy owners strikeouts even when he pitches poorly, but not today. Harden owners will have to wait and see which Rich Harden will show up in his next outing, but his upside still make him a very good fantasy option.

April 26, 2009

Rich Harden was nasty on Sunday against the Cardinals. He struck out nine in six innings and earned his second win of the season. The lefty flamethrower gave up just two runs on four hits and a pair of walks in the Cubs 10-3 win over the Cardinals.

Our View:

Harden's performance kept the Cubs from getting swept by the first place Cardinals and dropped his ERA under 4.00. He still has trouble going deep into games because of his high pitch counts, but fantasy owners love all the Ks those pitch counts generate.

April 21, 2009

Rich Harden struck out eight batters in six innings while picking up his first win of the season on Tuesday. He gave up three hits, two walks, and two earned runs in the 7-2 win over the Reds.

Our View:

Harden was chased early from his last start, but responded well tonight. He already has 26 strikeouts in 15 innings of work, making him an extremely valuable fantasy option even when he is giving up a home run per start as he is now.

April 15, 2009

Rich Harden was chased after just three innings in his start Wednesday against the Rockies. He gave up four runs on five hits and four walks. He also struck out eight.

Our View:

This was an absolutely crazy start by Harden. Eight of the nine outs he recorded were by strikeout, which is impressive, but he also gave up five hits and four runs in that span. He threw 92 pitches as well. Yes, that's right. 92 pitches in three innings. He wasn't sharp today, but the eight k's still show he is a good fantasy pitcher. Don't get too worried about one bad start.

April 10, 2009

Rich Harden tossed six strong innings on Friday, but failed to get the win as the Cubs' bullpen collapsed. Harden allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks, and struck out an impressive ten Brewers.

Our View:

Harden's stuff was electric once again, as he fanned ten, but it's still the same old story with him. He can't go deep into games. He appeared to be running out of gas in the 6th, which is usually as far as he gets in a start.

April 4, 2009

Rich Harden was rocked for eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits over 3.2 innings in Saturday's 10-1 loss to the Yankees, with four walks and two strikeouts. He allowed three home runs.

Our View:

He has now allowed 12 earned runs over his last two spring outings. He has until April 10 to get on track, which is when he is slated to make his first start of the season at Milwaukee.

March 30, 2009

Rich Harden gave up three home runs in 4.2 innings as the Cubs tied the Royals 8-8 on Monday. He allowed four hits, two walks, and five earned runs while striking out four.

Our View:

Harden has had a pretty rough spring, but he has been phenomenal in his career when healthy. The Cubs believe he can make 30-plus starts this season and if he does he could challenge to be a top 10 starter. However, he has not made 30 starts since 2004.

March 30, 2009

Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild feels that Rich Harden should be able to make it through a full season as a member of the Cubs rotation, according to ESPN.com. "He's really worked hard, made some changes in his delivery, and I'm hopeful he'll make it through the year," Rothschild said. "He's a special guy."

Our View:

He is a special guy...when he's healthy. Fantasy owners should be well aware of Harden's tendency to land on the DL for long durations. There are few pitchers in baseball that are more effective than Harden when he is healthy. In 148 innings pitched last season, he had a 2.07 ERA to go with 181 strikeouts.

March 25, 2009

The Chicago Tribune reports that Rich Harden threw four shutout innings on Wednesday in a minor league game. He struck out four in the process.

Our View:

Harden missed his last start due to food poisoning and he reportedly lost seven pounds during his battle with it. He looks back to normal, and should be ready to go for opening day.

March 20, 2009

Rich Harden was scratched from today's start due to flu-like symptoms, according to the Daily Herald.

Our View:

He is pitching a simulated game on the back field instead, and will then head home. Harden should be fine with some rest.

March 15, 2009

Rich Harden lasted just 2.2 innings in Sunday's 10-7 win over Arizona. He allowed three runs on three hits, three walks, and three strikeouts.

Our View:

The Cubs would have liked to see him go four innings, but this is the usual with Harden. He expends a lot of pitches to maneuver through each inning and the result is a pitcher who rarely works deep into games. Effective? Yes. Durable? No.

March 10, 2009

Rich Harden pitched well against Mariners on Tuesday, throwing two scoreless innings while surrendering just two hits.

Our View:

If he can shake his past of injuries, Harden, who is yet to eclipse 200 innings in any one season, can be an absolute monster in the No. 2 spot in the Cubs' rotation.

March 9, 2009

Rich Harden stated he is on schedule to be ready for his first regular-season start April 10 at Milwaukee, according to the Chicago Tribune. He was limited by a shoulder ailment last season, and he said, "I am feeling great, feeling strong. There is no doubt in my mind I will be ready. I know everybody is concerned about that, or everybody outside the organization. Here, everybody knows what is going on."

Our View:

Harden has a poor track record with durability, but he is aiming to make 30 starts in 2009. Harden could be a solid fantasy pitcher - namely in the strikeouts category - if he can stay intact.

March 2, 2009

Rich Harden is slated to throw live batting practice Tuesday, but is yet to be scheduled to pitch in a game, according to the Chicago Tribune. He battled a shoulder ailment last season that limited him to 25 starts (148 innings).

Our View:

He has a poor track record with durability, but is aiming to make 30 starts in 2009. Harden could be a solid fantasy pitcher - namely in the strikeouts category - if he can stay intact.

February 14, 2009

Rich Harden spent most of the offseason in Arizona preparing for the upcoming baseball season, according to the Cubs' official site. He has a goal to make 30 starts for the Cubs this season, which would be the most he's made since 2004 when he took the mound 31 times for Oakland.

Our View:

Harden has only started 63 games in the last four years, but 25 of them came last year between Oakland and Chicago. He's always a risk in fantasy due to his injury history, but in 12 starts with the Cubs last year he went 5-1 with a 1.77 ERA, so he may be worth drafting in the middle rounds of most leagues.

January 21, 2009

As expected, Cubs pitcher Rich Harden will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Chicago Tribune. Said Harden, "If I was 100 percent and it was a different year and different scenario, I would have jumped at the opportunity to play in the WBC."

Our View:

Harden was a candidate for Team Canada. He has a small tear in his pitching shoulder, so he may not be ready for spring training, much less the WBC. Fantasy owners know the routine with the potentially dominating righty by now. The few times he's healthy, Harden is worth a roster spot, but those times remain infrequent.

January 18, 2009

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rich Harden has a tear in his shoulder that is "just severe enough that some players might seek surgery but slight enough to be in a range often treated effectively with a strengthening program, therapy and a well- managed work schedule." Pitching coach Larry Rothschild added, "He's not close to throwing off a mound yet. There's some issues there, no question."

Our View:

Harden has a long history of injuries and lengthy DL stints. This news should raise all sorts of red flags and it could be a long season for owners who draft and hold onto Harden. However, he is on a rigorous program aimed at strengthening the shoulder, and the team maintains that he is still expected to be on the Opening Day roster.

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