OTTAWA – The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Rich Harden of Victoria, BC from the Oakland Athletics in a six player deal.
The Cubs acquired Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Athletics in exchange for Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson, Matt Murton and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson.
“I heard it was going to happen. Still it’s always a surprise,” says Harden in an interview with the Associated Press. “It’s a bit of a shock but it will be good. They’ve got a good team and a chance of doing something special.”
So far this season, Harden has posted a 5-1 mark with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts with Oakland. He’s struck out 92 batters in 77.0 innings pitched.
Harden will be joining fellow Canadian Ryan Dempster, a BC native, in the rotation for the Cubs.
By adding Harden to the rotation, the Cubs hope to end their 100 year drought without a World Series championship.
