Pocket Aces: Zambrano and Harden

Goldenboy219 · 07-12-08, 03:37 PM

Rich Harden has just finished his first duty as a Chicago Cubs starting pitcher. The 27 year old right hander pitched a scoreless 5 and 1/3 innings striking out 10 in his National league debut. The game is still in progress, and it looks like an almost certain win as the Cubs are up 7 - 0 in the top of the 6th.

With the aqusition of Harden, the Cubs now have arguably the best starting 5 (or 6) in Major League Baseball. I am looking forward to the remainder of the summer.

Go Cubs

Ethereal · 07-15-08, 02:24 AM

If the Cubbies don't win the World Series this year then we are truly a cursed team. Our defense is solid, we can play small ball and big ball, our starters are peerless, our bullpen is completely solid, and we have argueably the most dominant closer in baseball.

We gave up some of our most promising prospects to aquire Harden so I hope he keeps it up. Marshall, I think, had the makings of an ace, Murton will be a .300, 20 HR, 100 RBI hitter, and Patterson looked like he could be a great small ball player, like Theriot. Oakland is looking good for next year if they can develop those players.

Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Edmonds, Fukudome, Soto, Theriot, Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Howry, Marmol, Wood, Pienella. If we can't win with that, we can't win...GO CUBS!

WI Crippler · 07-15-08, 01:28 PM

I'm waiting for the Brewers to make their move and overtake the Cubs at the end of August. With Sheets and Sabbathia, thats a pretty good 1-2 punch for pitching. Just got to get those bats going.

Ethereal · 07-17-08, 01:05 AM

Don't hold your breath. Destiny awaits us.

Goldenboy219 · 09-15-08, 10:45 AM

Big Z's no no last night solidified the Cubs staff as baseballs best. With the Brew crew 7 1/2 games back, Lou can begin to rest arms as he prepares for the post season.

Tashah · 09-15-08, 11:16 AM

Agreed. Lou has the cushion to probably go with a 6 man starting rotation from here on out. Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, Dempster, Marquis, Marshall. The first four are all solid. Marquis and Marshall can usually give Lou 6 or 7 innings of decent effort. Reliever Marmol and closer Wood are as good as it gets.

Ethereal · 09-15-08, 07:57 PM

Don't forget Samardzja. He's got killer stuff when he's on. A little more experience and I think he'll be an ace starter. We're looking good for the post-season if we can keep Harden healthy. That's got to be our number one priority. I'm going to predict Cubs/Angels in the World Series. GO CUBS!