Harden to Red Sox?

[DirtDog]

ESPN reporting Red Sox a likely team on getting Harden. Weather he'll be healthy? idk.

 

Could the Red Sox be in Rich Harden's future? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney speculates in today's blog on whether Harden will be offered arbitration by the Cubs. One NL official tells Buster that Harden will likely have a new home.

 

"He's got 'Red Sox' written all over him ? the Cubs won?t sign him, and the Red Sox will bring him on board for a decent base salary and some incentives," the official said.

 

While Harden wants to remain in Chicago, the reality of his constant health concerns might push him out of the equation. The Chicago Tribune recently quoted manager Lou Piniella on his pitching options for next year: "You look at our starting pitching here for next year," Piniella said. "You've got (Carlos) Zambrano, you've got (Ryan) Dempster, you've got (Randy) Wells, you've got (Ted) Lilly, you've got (Tom) Gorzelanny, and you've got (Jeff) Samardzija, who is going to go to winter ball. And if this kid keeps improving, he'll be right in the mix. So we've got six nice arms."

 

Just speculation, but the rationale is solid. He's a better one year risk than the likes of Penny and Smoltz were.

[BSN07]

I'm all for a one year deal for Harden. Harden wouldn't be a bad option for the #5 spot.

[Dojji]

Worth a shot I guess. I'd rather go after Bedard.

[Dipre]

Worth a shot I guess. I'd rather go after Bedard.

 

Who's equally as fragile, and doesn't have nearly the stuff Harden has?

[Cocos Disciples]

Worth a shot I guess. I'd rather go after Bedard.

 

Oh you're interested in Bedard? What are your thoughts on JJ Hardy?

[Emmz]

Worth a shot I guess. I'd rather go after Bedard.

 

Harden>Bedard

[Spudboy]

Brandon Webb?

[Dipre]

Brandon Webb?

 

Not a 1-year-deal type of guy.

[Dojji]

Who's equally as fragile' date=' and doesn't have nearly the stuff Harden has?[/quote']

 

And has proven success in the American League East.

 

Also, Bedard's stuff is more than good enough to be going on with.

[italstallianion]

Who's equally as fragile' date=' and doesn't have nearly the stuff Harden has?[/quote']

 

 

I think that's not a fair point. While both are fragile, and both have great stuff, Bedard has had a history of success in the AL East while Harden has pitched exclusively in the AL West and just recently in the NL Central. While Harden has a better k/9, Bedard has a better k/bb and better numbers vs. AL East teams. While I can't find their personal records against the team as a whole, I've looked at their numbers against the players on those teams and here's a few worth noting:

 

Bedard

 

Baldelli .238

JD Drew 0 (SSS)

Ellsbury 0 (SSS)

Green .182

Lowell .111

Martinez .238

Ortiz .208

Pedroia .071

Varitek .158

Youkilis .050

Manny Ramirez .200

Cano .250

Damon .150

Jeter .188

Molina .091

Swisher .200

Teixeira .083

 

 

Harden

 

Baldelli .571

Drew .400

Ellsbury .333

Lowell .286

Ortiz .556

Youkilis 0 (0/7)

Ramirez .273 (all 3 hits are HR's)

Hinske .286

Jeter .375

Matsui .357

A-rod .300

 

 

While it isn't black and white, with money/prospects being equal I'd rather have Bedard.

[jacksonianmarch]

Please, go after Harden. He is gonna get a long term deal on the market since he's the 2nd best pitcher out there and is coming off his healthiest season to date. So please, sign him up. Not only do we hit him well, he makes JD Drew look like the Iron Horse in terms of durability

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

Please' date=' go after Harden. He is gonna get a long term deal on the market since he's the 2nd best pitcher out there and is coming off his healthiest season to date. So please, sign him up. Not only do we hit him well, he makes JD Drew look like the Iron Horse in terms of durability[/quote']

 

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk5/Brian088888/bye.gif

[Dipre]

And has proven success in the American League East.

 

Also, Bedard's stuff is more than good enough to be going on with.

 

Harden has dominated the AL before.

 

Moot point.

 

I think that's not a fair point. While both are fragile, and both have great stuff, Bedard has had a history of success in the AL East while Harden has pitched exclusively in the AL West and just recently in the NL Central. While Harden has a better k/9, Bedard has a better k/bb and better numbers vs. AL East teams. While I can't find their personal records against the team as a whole, I've looked at their numbers against the players on those teams and here's a few worth noting:

 

Bedard

 

Baldelli .238

JD Drew 0 (SSS)

Ellsbury 0 (SSS)

Green .182

Lowell .111

Martinez .238

Ortiz .208

Pedroia .071

Varitek .158

Youkilis .050

Manny Ramirez .200

Cano .250

Damon .150

Jeter .188

Molina .091

Swisher .200

Teixeira .083

 

 

Harden

 

Baldelli .571

Drew .400

Ellsbury .333

Lowell .286

Ortiz .556

Youkilis 0 (0/7)

Ramirez .273 (all 3 hits are HR's)

Hinske .286

Jeter .375

Matsui .357

A-rod .300

 

 

While it isn't black and white, with money/prospects being equal I'd rather have Bedard.

 

Small sample sizes, and Bedard's stuff is not only inferior to Harden's all things being equal, it's actually diminished with all the injuries.

 

Please check some stats and do some research before making such statements.

[RWTP24]

Worth a shot I guess. I'd rather go after Bedard.

 

I think I might like Bedard better than Harden.

[Dipre]

I think I might like Bedard better than Harden.

 

Of course you would.

[RWTP24]

Of course you would.

 

What is that suppost to mean?

[Dipre]

What is that suppost to mean?

 

It means you're buying his "success" in the AL East.

 

But again, his stuff has diminished after the injuries, but hey, don't mind me.

[italstallianion]

Harden has dominated the AL before.

 

Moot point.

 

 

 

Small sample sizes, and Bedard's stuff is not only inferior to Harden's all things being equal, it's actually diminished with all the injuries.

 

Please check some stats and do some research before making such statements.

 

 

If that was directed at me, I'm going to take a first class flight down to the Dominican and b**** slap you. That's why I always carry a container of baby powder on me; you never know when you're going to have to smack a b****.

[Dipre]

If that was directed at me' date=' I'm going to take a first class flight down to the Dominican and b**** slap you. That's why I always carry a container of baby powder on me; you never know when you're going to have to smack a b****. [/quote']

 

I'm just trolling you.

 

But really, dude's velocity has diminished considerably, he's not as overpowering as he once was, and his performance in Seattle is misleading due to that fabulous stadium.

[RWTP24]

It means you're buying his "success" in the AL East.

 

But again, his stuff has diminished after the injuries, but hey, don't mind me.

 

I did not even know his "success" in the AL East until I read the thread today. I just think at this point, he would be a better choice because Harden gets hurt every 5 minutes. I really don't like any of them. I hope the Sox get Felix Hernandez.

[Emmz]

What a great contribution to the thread, italistaliwhateveryournameis

[Dipre]

I did not even know his "success" in the AL East until I read the thread today. I just think at this point' date=' he would be a better choice because Harden gets hurt every 5 minutes. I really don't like any of them. I hope the Sox get Felix Hernandez.[/quote']

 

*Sigh* go ahead and check how many times Bedard's been on the DL this year.

 

In fact, go ahead and check when was the last time he pitched.

[Emmz]

I did not even know his "success" in the AL East until I read the thread today. I just think at this point' date=' he would be a better choice because Harden gets hurt every 5 minutes. I really don't like any of them. I hope the Sox get Felix Hernandez.[/quote']

 

But so does Bedard... At that point you just have to look at who's got the better stuff. And I think signing Felix would cost big bucks, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one

[RWTP24]

*Sigh* go ahead and check how many times Bedard's been on the DL this year.

 

In fact, go ahead and check when was the last time he pitched.

 

To be straight, I really don't know. I don't have time to keep up with everyone in the MLB. I watch the Sox everyday and that is about it. If I am not busy I try and keep up with all you guys, but you guys know your stats way to well. That is one of the reasons I love coming on here, I can learn a lot.

[RWTP24]

But so does Bedard... At that point you just have to look at who's got the better stuff. And I think signing Felix would cost big bucks' date=' I wouldn't hold my breath on that one[/quote']

 

Idk, Theo really, really wants him. I think it is more possible than you think.

[Emmz]

To be straight' date=' I really don't know. I don't have time to keep up with everyone in the MLB. I watch the Sox everyday and that is about it. If I am not busy I try and keep up with all you guys, but you guys know your stats way to well. That is one of the reasons I love coming on here, I can learn a lot.[/quote']

 

Yeah, but in all honesty, Bedard gets hurt all the time, just as Harden does. We went over it on the first page as well, if you missed it. I really think that Harden's stuff is pretty filthy when he's not injured; Bedard gets hurt just as much, though

[Emmz]

Idk' date=' Theo really, really wants him. I think it is more possible than you think.[/quote']

 

Oh, no, I realize that it's very possible, but don't think there isn't going to be intense competition for him, as well as the fact that there are plenty of other needs this team has; If we can get Harden at a decent price, they'll take that instead of spending huge money on Hernandez

[Dipre]

Hernandez sounds good, but this team has many needs to address which probably couldn't be fulfilled if they pay the price for Hernandez.

[italstallianion]

What a great contribution to the thread' date=' italistaliwhateveryournameis[/quote']

 

 

I'll concede the fact that I am horrible at reading subtle nuances in tone, especially when talking to women, so all I ask is that blatant sarcasm be put in italics. That way people like me with a complete inability to distinguish tones and emphasis don't misinterpret the precise points and implications from other posters.

 

In other words, I'm not sure if you're sarcastic or not, and this time I'll postpone my reaction until I'm well aware of your intentions. I don't want to end up in the dog house with a female poster or else I'll never get out of it. One time about a year ago while watching The Notebook with my girlfriend, when she was crying I switched the TV to Sportscenter and she hasn't forgiven me yet. I'm not making that mistake again.

[Dipre]

I'll concede the fact that I am horrible at reading subtle nuances in tone, especially when talking to women, so all I ask is that blatant sarcasm be put in italics. That way people like me with a complete inability to distinguish tones and emphasis don't misinterpret the precise points and implications from other posters.

 

In other words, I'm not sure if you're sarcastic or not, and this time I'll postpone my reaction until I'm well aware of your intentions. I don't want to end up in the dog house with a female poster or else I'll never get out of it. One time about a year ago while watching The Notebook with my girlfriend, when she was crying I switched the TV to Sportscenter and she hasn't forgiven me yet. I'm not making that mistake again.

 

Good call.