Monday, July 7, 2008

Sabathia traded; Harden next?

The biggest news yesterday was not the annual snub of deserving All-Stars. We'll deal with that topic tomorrow.

Rather, a rare pre-All-Star break deal as the Indians raised the white flag, dealing C.C. Sabathia to the Brewers for power hitting OF/1B Matt Laporta, who was merely hitting .288 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs over 84 games for Double-A Huntsville.

The Indians were also given some pitching prospects in the deal, but it was LaPorta who was the key piece.

And all of the National League Central took notice. The Cubs and Cardinals, cruising in the top 2 spots most of the season, now have a very real third wheel to contend with.

Sabathia, who had an awful April (7.76 ERA), has cruised since, dropping his ERA to 3.83 with 123 Ks in 122 1/3 innings.

Now it's time for the Cubs and Cards to counter. Some of the names floating have been Oakland's Rich Harden, San Diego's Randy Wolff and Greg Maddux (again?).

A healthy Harden would be the biggest chip any team could land, but Billy Beane is surely asking a hefty ransom and it's not like the A's are out of the running.

If you happen to be an AL-only Harden owner, there's no time better than now to cash out. It's not a sure thing he'll get dealt to the NL, but the Cubs have been heavily rumored and after the Sabathia trade, they almost have to make a splash.

Fantasy spin: For those of you Sabathia owners in AL leagues, the news simply couldn't be worse. You probably thought this was coming, but not until late July. The uncertainty now is whether or not to claim Laporta, who may or may not play with the Indians right away. You would think with the Indians season awash, he would get a few cups of coffee by the end of the year.

As for Sabathia's value, it's likely headed true north, so long as he stays away from the cheese curds in his new home state. Facing the NL usually will help a pitcher's ERA/WHIP and Ks, getting to face the opposing pitcher 2-3 times a game. And his added run support should give him 3-4 more wins in the second half.

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