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In a report in today’s Chicago Tribune, Paul Sullivan says that while both Rich Harden and Reed Johnson would like to remain with the Cubs, their return appears to be unlikely.
Sullivan says that Harden’s injury history makes signing a long term deal with the Cubs unlikely, and considering the Cubs want to move Kosuke Fukudome to right field, it would likely result in a platoon situation for Johnson.
…Harden would be a tempting choice for the Mets…he does have ace-like stuff and the market for elite free agent pitchers drops off dramatically after him and John Lackey…his injury history is very alarming and the last thing this club needs is another player that isn’t durable, but if they can land Lackey, i wouldn’t mind the Mets taking a chance on Harden if they could get him on a lower base salary, loaded with incentives…it’s a tough call…
…Johnson is a guy i just can’t see being a fit for the Mets right now…i was one of those that wanted the Mets to bring him in last year when the Blue Jays released him, but that was a different Mets team with far fewer problems, at least on paper…he had an injury plagued 2009 but he is supposedly a great clubhouse presence…
Harden just completed the final year of a four year, $9 million contract he originally signed with the Athletics, and Johnson just finished a one year, $3 million contract.
For more on this and other Cubs news, check out the Chicago Tribune.
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I agree with you Mr. Baron.
Harden is a good risk/reward guy if the Mets sign a legit No. 2. Can’t hang too much expectation on him.
Johnson would’ve been a good fit as he was great for the Cubbies in 2008. Now he just doesn’t fill a need…unless we swap him out for Cory Sullivan.
Mr. Tache;
the key to your post,
“if the Mets sign a legit #2″
Not in lieu of…
Agreed.
Get that No. 2 (or 1A) and then sign Harden and let him, Perez, Pelf and Maine battle for 3-4-5.
Well we need LAckey for our #2. Then MArquis or Wolf. Not HArden, Bedard or Sheets because they are injury prone and Omar said that he wants to stay away from them. I do like them a lot though. But am I wrong about what OMar said.
Reed Johnson stinks
It seems like the Mets offseason is going to revolve around which big name player they are going to spend on in either SP or LF. I would be surprised if they sign two guys like Lackey and then Holliday. Each is going to cost them a lot. With their backs against the wall the Mets will “over pay” for one of them. Once this happens Omar needs to make one of his historical trades to fill in the second need. Harden/Bedard/Sheets are a risk. I would have to choose Harden only cause of age, stuff and pitched more than the others last year. I would rather see a healthy Harden vs a healthy Ollie. Harden atleast nows how to pitch when he is not hurt.
Harden would never sign the type of incentive laden contract the Mets would need to make him realistic. Getting him to come to the Mets would likely require too much guaranteed money for too many years for a player with his resume.
I’d like to see the Mets bring in two of Harden, Bedard, Sheets and Jennings. If two of them stay healthy, all the better for the Mets. But this way, if one is hurt, hopefully the other can contribute.
And bring in Lackey, but for 3 years, $45 million.