The Rich Report (4/21): Seeing Red

Ed. Note: Last year, I came to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch were going to be crucial. So after each start, I provided the line for Richard James Harden until the season ended or his arm fell off. Whichever came first. Harden is back in Cubbie blue, so I figured why not do it all over again

After a crummy start against the Rockies (and Jason Marquis - yuck!), Rich Harden struck out eight batters in three innings. Unfortunately, he also walked four batters and allowed five hits and four earned runs as he picked up his first loss at Wrigley Field.

Harden bounced back with a performance so good, not even Neal Cotts and Luis Vizcaino could ruin.

Harden's Line: 6 IP 3 H 2 R 2 ER 8 K 2 BB

That's a heck of a line for someone who was slotted as the team's No. 4 starter. If Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild can find a way to limit his pitches, without allowing the bullpen blow his games late, it could be beneficial to the Cubs down the stretch -- when they need him the most.

Of course, a 7-run outburst definitely helps.

The Rich Report (4/10): Harden Times Fall On Cubs Closer

Ah, yes. One of my favorite TBDS segments returned yesterday as Cubs starter Rich Harden took to the hill in an attempt to silence the critics who are concerned about the health of Harden's golden right arm.

Rich's Response: 6 IP 3 H 2 R 1 ER 10 K 2 BB

And how long did it take for Kevin Gregg to ruin Harden's gem of a performance?

Approximately 26 pitches.

Harden could be a sleeper Cy Young candidate if the Cubs offense can score and if their bullpen can keep opponents from scoring.

There is no reason (other than Gregg's ineptitude) Harden should have been hung with a No Decision.

Brewers 4 Cubs 3

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Rich Harden was dominant, again.

Harden threw seven innings of two-hit ball as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Washington Nationals, 6-1.

Harden (4-1 with Chicago) threw his fifth 10+ strikeout game, punching out 11 Nats without walking a batter. He has struck out 21 batters over his last 14 innings of works (2-0) without walking a batter.

Harden is now 4-1 with a 1.47 ERA since being traded to the Cubs from Oakland.

More to come...

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Rich Harden has been ridiculously good since joining the Cubs. So while CC Sabathia grabs the headlines (and another beer brat) Harden continues to throw lights out for the North Siders.

In a good sign for Cubdom, a testy Harden said he is tired of being called injury prone. It could be worse, they could just call him Mark Prior.

You know, a dominant pitcher whose previous health concerns are used to indicate how many bullets said dominant pitcher should throw in a given game.

So are Harden and Prior interchangeable? Barely.

Both are young, stud pitchers with high upside but are clear injury risks because of their past. It's like having a girlfriend who took you to a very special place, but only did it once and the only reason you keep her around is because she's dynamite in bed.

That's what it was like having Prior. As for the Harden experience, it's like having that dynamite experience start after start.

Harden's line in Tuesday night's win against the Reds: 7 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 10 K 0 BB

Harden as a Cub (3-1): 42 IP 0.95 WHIP 1.50 ERA 59 strikeouts 14 walks.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Houston 8/05 (ND, 1-1) 5.2 IP 8 hits 5 runs 4 earned runs 2 home runs 1 walk 8 strikeouts. So, the Cubs bat awaken to help Harden and in return he has his worst outing in Cubbie Blue. Still, he helps your fantasy team with eight punchouts.

That brings Harden to a 1-1 record 2.10 ERA 47 strikeouts 9 walks and a 1.03 WHIP in 30 innings pitched as a Chicago Cub.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Milwaukee 7/31 (W, 1-0): 7.0 IP 6 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 9 K 1 HR

It looks like Rich owes Jim Edmonds a fat juicy steak because of the five runs that came off of the center fielder's bat. Maybe a beer-brat will do the trick. In either case, Harden picks up his first victory in a Cubs uniform.

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

Harden vs. Florida (ND): 5.0 IP 2 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 10 K 1 HR

That move's Harden's numbers as a Cub to: 0-1 17.1 IP 8 H 2 R 2 ER 8 BB 30 K 1.04 ERA

That's nasty!

The Rich Report

Ed. Note: I've come to the conclusion that each of Rich Harden's starts down the stretch are going to be crucial. So after each start, I'll provide the line for Richard James Harden until the season ends or his arm falls off. Whichever comes first.

7/21/2008 @ Arizona

Harden (L): 7.0 IP 1 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 10 K 1 HR

That brings his season total (as a Cub) to: 12.1 IP 6 H 1 R 1 ER 5 BB 20 K 1 HR 0.73 ERA.