Chicago has responded to Milwuakee's acquisition of C.C. Sabathia by trading for Oakland ace Rich Harden in a six player deal.  The Cubs get Harden and reliever Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer John Donaldson.

Sitting four games ahead of the Brewers and 3.5 ahead of the Cardinals entering Wednesday, the Cubs made this bold move that will greatly improve the team provided the oft-injured righty stays healthy.  Harden is one of the best talents in baseball, but has yet to prove it consistenly on the fieldbecause of injury problems.  This year he has stayed relatively healthy save for a DL-stint that knocked him out until May.  He was 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with the A's striking out 92 batters in 77 IP.   The Cubs now sport a formidable rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Harden, the surprising Ryan Dempster, and Ted Lilly.  With Harden, the Cubs strengthen their position as favorites in the National League.

The change in leagues will probably give a small uptick in Harden's strikeouts but may increase his chances of getting hurt since he will now have to swing the bat.  

Rich Harden is heading from the West Coast to the competitive NL-Central.