Ahem….

I’d like to bring your attention to this entry that I made Monday morning after the CC trade to the Brewers, particularly this part:

Finally, I’m certain the Cubs will do something to counter this move.  I fully expect to see AJ Burnett or Rich Harden in Cubbie pinstripes before the trade deadline, maybe sooner.

And now doesn’t this look nice?

The Cubs got Rich Harden and relief pitcher, Chad Gaudin for Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, and catching prospect Josh Donaldson.  Gallagher is the one guy I will miss in the deal, because I think he has legit #2 potential.  I liked him a lot, but when you haven’t won in 100 years, these are deals you have to make.  Murton and Patterson really had no place on this team, so it was best that they go somewhere they will get a chance to play.  I wish them luck, and I do actually see them thriving in Oakland.  Donaldson is an OK catching prospect, but the Cubs drafted another catcher this June who projects higher than him.  Besides, Soto should be around for quite some time.

If he is healthy, Harden is just as good as, if not better than, Sabathia.  Out of his 13 starts this year, Harden has given up less than 2 earned runs in 11 of them.   And at least the Cubs have Harden for next year with an option for 2010 as well.  Unlike CC, who will, most likely, be walking after this year.   A rotation of Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Lilly, and Marquis/Marshall is pretty damn impressive.  And if Dempster is brought back (something I think he has earned), we could be set for 2009 as well.  I love the Cubs’ chances, not only this year, but next season as well!