Rich Harden's contract an off-season challenge for Chicago Cubs -- chicagotribune.com
The writer seems to think he could get a 4-year deal worth $50-$60 mil. Buster Olney doesn't think Harden will get more than $20 mil.Harden has been the Cubs' most consistent starter in the second half with a 3-1 record and 1.64 earned-run average, with a 4-1 strikeouts-to-walks ratio. But he could become a sought-after free agent after the season, so the Cubs have to make a decision on how much they're willing to offer him.
General manager Jim Hendry never considered trading Harden before the July 31 deadline, believing the Cubs would be in contention the rest of the season.
Whether they are or not now, eight games behind the Cardinals in the National League Central and seven in back of the Rockies for the wild card, they will have plenty of competition to re-sign Harden. At 27, his strong second half and career numbers should make him an attractive option in a relatively lean year for starters.
Buster Olney Blog - ESPN (insider blog)
I'm sure someone will pony up despite the injury risk. He's only 27 years old and I'm sure that will be tantalizing enough along with the talent for someone to take the risk. I think he would benefit from staying in the NL. I wonder if the Dodgers would be willing to take the risk. I imagine he would do well in that park.Even after pitching well for nearly a full season last year, Ben Sheets wasn't seeing offers in the Oliver Perez range, so I wonder how many teams would offer Harden a multi-year deal given his injury history.