The National League Central just got very interesting to say the least. Just two days after the Brewers pulled off a deal for C.C. Sabathia (who makes his Milwaukee debut tonight), the Cubs countered with a blockbuster of their own. Just announced within the hour, the Cubs have traded four players, including Sean Gallagher and Matt Murton, to Oakland for Rich Hardin and Chad Gaudin.
All I can say about this is "Wow!" No one saw this one coming really. But this certainly tips the scales back in Chicago's favor after a two-day tilt towards Milwaukee. The Brewers on Sunday added reigning A.L. Cy Young champion C.C. Sabathia to a rotation that already includes Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and up-and-coming Manny Parra. With these four, and a line-up that includes Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Corey Hart and a rejuvenated Bill Hall and J.J. Hardy, the Brewers, with their bullpen, pushed the scales in their favor. But the Cubs, knowing they had to counter and leading the Central by just 3.5 games over St. Louis and 4 games over the Brewers, were already in talks for Rich Harden, and stepped up their efforts over the last 48 hours to get Harden. Harden joins a rotation that already features Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly. With their offense and bullpen anchored by closer Kerry Wood and set-up man Carlos Marmol, the Cubs have regained the edge in the division. It won't be easy fending off St. Louis or Milwaukee, but they are clearly the cream of the crop in the N.L. now.
All I can say about this is "Wow!" No one saw this one coming really. But this certainly tips the scales back in Chicago's favor after a two-day tilt towards Milwaukee. The Brewers on Sunday added reigning A.L. Cy Young champion C.C. Sabathia to a rotation that already includes Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and up-and-coming Manny Parra. With these four, and a line-up that includes Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Corey Hart and a rejuvenated Bill Hall and J.J. Hardy, the Brewers, with their bullpen, pushed the scales in their favor. But the Cubs, knowing they had to counter and leading the Central by just 3.5 games over St. Louis and 4 games over the Brewers, were already in talks for Rich Harden, and stepped up their efforts over the last 48 hours to get Harden. Harden joins a rotation that already features Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly. With their offense and bullpen anchored by closer Kerry Wood and set-up man Carlos Marmol, the Cubs have regained the edge in the division. It won't be easy fending off St. Louis or Milwaukee, but they are clearly the cream of the crop in the N.L. now.
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