Opinion: Harden critical to Cubs' title chase

Pitcher to help Chicago secure top record, much-needed homefield edge If Rich Harden stays healthy, he'll help keep pressure off Cubs hitters, who have struggled on the road. Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said at a pregame press conference Tuesday that his acquisition of Cy Young-caliber pitcher Rich Harden from Oakland was not a response to division rival Milwaukee’s deal the previous day for reigning AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia from Cleveland. “We’ve been working on Mr. Harden for a few weeks now,” he said. But the Sabathia deal certainly hurried the timeline to acquire Harden and reliever/spot starter Chad Gaudin, who are going to be critical to the Cubs’ essential need the rest of the regular season — keeping the best record in the National League. That’s because entering Tuesday night’s home game against... [read full story]