Baseball Thread 12: No cutesy nickname I can think of

I think the Twins are tough because their games are usually eight innings when they're leading by three runs or fewer. It's usually lights out when Nathan pitches the ninth.

 

That is definitely a part of it. It is difficult to find a closer who can be reliable for a long period of time. Nathan has been among the elite in the game every season since 2004. Other than Mariano Rivera, who among the current elite closers has been at that level for that long?

Trevor Hoffman was there for a longer period of time, but he is no longer a top closer. Francisco Rodriguez did not become a closer until 2005, though he was dominant in a set-up role in '04. Papelbon had not even reached the majors yet. Billy Wagner missed part of 2004, when he had only 21 saves, and he really isn't on the same level as Nathan or Rivera.

 

Hearing Cubs getting Rich Harden? Is that right? For Murton and Gallagher and Patterson?

 

Cubs land pitcher Rich Harden from Athletics
Eds: APNewsNow.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia.
The Cubs will receive the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer John Donaldson.

Is it just me or did the Cubs steal Harden?

 

That's a huge move for the Cubs. The Cubs have one of the most dominant rotations in the league, I'd say.

 

If by some miracle Harden can stay healthy the entire season, this is a great trade for the Cubs. He really could contend for a Cy Young Award some year if he manages to stay off the disabled list.

If not, well, at least Matt Murton finally gets his freedom.

 

Great move for the Cubs.

 

Harden's good for 12-15 starts -- a season. He'll probably pull a hamstring during the press conference.

If he does stay health, though, this is a huge move. Making the Cubs' inevitable choke all the more amazing.

 

Do the Cubs put Harden at No. 2 behind Zambrano?

 

Co-worker just said, "I don't understand this from the A's' standpoint." Reply: "I don't give a shit about that."

Wow. Way to pull the trigger, Cubs! Like this deal.

Yes, KY, he'll be the No. 2. It won't threaten Z's fragile ego but will still strengthen the rotation.

 

I like Gallagher, but you have to give up something to get something, and I really like this move. They get to keep Marshall, Pie, Cedeno, Ceda, Vitters, Colvin and Castillo.

 

Please, please, please, please keep Marshall in the rotation and put Marquis in the pen. With only one lefty in the pen, I'd like to keep two lefties in the rotation.

And Marquis always sucks in the second half.