Harden to the stRangers

Word right now is, 1 x $7.5m, with another year at $11.5m option, presumably a vest?

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Harden, like Erik Bedard, is awesome when he's on the mound.  And $7.5m is an "underpay" in absolute terms, if you expect even 100 innings out of him.  (The same is true of Bedard.)

Right now, Rich Harden looks great in the Rangers' rotation -- because he doesn't have to pitch yet.  Check him in July.

$7.5m doesn't capture the problemos when this sequence occurs:

1.  Harden comes out of the gate as the best pitcher in the AL

2.  You get used to him as your #1 (the stRangers do not have Felix)

3.  He hits the DL like a bug on a windshield

It's one thing to slot an Erik Bedard in as your #2 behind a workhorse.  It's another thing when you get used to him as your big gun.

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I guess it's the rotodweeb in me, but I much much MUCH prefer John Lackey to Rich Harden.  If this scenario steers the Mariners towards Lackey, you amigos will be awfully glad in July.

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Or if not Lackey, spending the money on a hitter gives us far more bankable return on our dollar.  That's the Shandler LIMA plan:  tons of money into the offense, and use wisdom (and defense!?) to keep the ERA low.

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If you were willing to accept Rich Harden's fragility, you've got no business being worried about Erik Bedard.  Erik Bedard never thought of having the health issues that Rich Harden has.

Option A vs Rich Harden:  Erik Bedard.  You think he'll cost $7.5?

Cheers,

Dr D