Trade looking good for both teams!

Yeah, I know it has only been less than a week since the Harden trade but the players involved are already contributing to their new ball clubs.

Gallagher got his first start last night and had a familiar face in the outfield in Matt Murton. Gallagher went 7 strong innings, giving up just 2 hits with 2 earned runs. He walked 3 and struck out 7. He had some good offensive help from former Cub Matt Murton. Matt went 1 for 5 with 2 RBI. Nice to see Gallagher and Murton succeeding for their new team. I wish them all the luck in the world.

Now on to the new Cubs Harden and Gaudin. Harden pitched a gem today giving up 5 hits, 0 ER, walking 3, and striking out 10 in just 5.1 innings. The thing I like about Harden is that he does not over-think pitching and uses what is working. Today Harden featured his hard fastball between 92-98 MPH and a great change about 84-88 MPH. We only saw that slider occasionally but all he needed was two pitches today. He changed speeds with his fastball well along with that devastating change up. His control was almost Maddux like and I like how he does not give into hitters. It is just to bad the pen gave up the lead and could not give him a win!

As far as Gaudin goes, he is not filthy by any means but he has a nice fastball and good slider to complement it. He will be a very solid middle reliever for the Cubs. He pitched .2 innings and did not give up a hit.

Overall I think the trade was a fair one. I am glad to hear we are going to give Harden 6+ days of rest between starts because he is so much better when he gets extra rest and we have the depth to do that, so why not!?!?