Hard Luck Harden

Man, what more can you ask from a guy than what Rich Harden has provided since coming to the Cubs?  In three games, they guy has been ridiculous; 17.1 innings, 30 k's, just 8 hits, a 1.04 ERA and all he has to show for it is an 0-1 record.  With the exception of two solo homer runs, Harden has been absolutely lights out as a Cub.  Its unrealistic to expect him to be this good, but if he's anything close to this good for the remainder of the year, his wins will come in a big way.

Right now all the focus is on CC Sabathia's three straight complete games and 4-0 record since joining the surging Brewers. But Rich Harden has been every bit as good for the slumping Cubs team. This will even out to be sure. Sabathia does have 8 losses this year, so the guy is mortal.

On a side note, Harden is batting .000 with 6 strikeouts in 6 at-bats.  CC is is 2-for-13, but has a double and a homer. He's no Carlos Zambrano!  Big Z is hitting an astonishing .356 with 3 doubles, a triple and 2 homers. Might as well starting engraving the Silver Slugger award for Big Z!

Where is the venom?  Where is the competitiveness?  Why aren't these teams taking it personally? 

What's missing from the Cubs-Brewers rivalry is some old fashioned animosity. We need some bean-balls, some hard slides, a bench clearing brawl to spice up this rivalry.  There is just too much respect and professionalism between these two ballclubs. It just doesn't fit for how they beat each other up on the scoreboard and how they always seem to rise to meet the occasion when playing each other. 

There was another story today about arrests following a brawl in the stands during last nights game at Miller Park. The fans get it, why don't the teams?  Its very different when the Cubs play the Cardinals or the White Sox - even the Astros. But its all niceness when they play the Brewers.  What's up with that?  C'mon guys!

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