Nico's Official Spin On The Trade

Wait, it’s not “spin” if it’s true. Cool. Understandably, the Harden trade has unnerved some who feel unsure how much the A’s lost and how much they gained. I do think the trade will wind up as a good one for Oakland, and here’s why:

* Rich Harden: Sure, Harden could be shelved after his Cubs’ debut and he could pitch straight through the end of the 2009 season. However, the likeliest scenario is that Harden will make his next few scheduled starts, but that his arm will not hold up over time. History, in the form of six D.L. stints and a worrisome “tired arm” already this season, suggests he will break down later if not sooner, perhaps around September 1st. Perhaps Harden will even pitch well enough and for long enough to have made the Cubs’ investment in him worthwhile – but still not continuously enough to have been the difference in the A’s chances to contend in 2008. more...