Cubs Handling Harden with Care, Brewers Treating CC Like a Rented Mule

One big difference between Milwaukee's acquisition of CC Sabathia versus the Cubs trade for Rich Harden is that Harden has an option for next year at a reasonable price. Sabathia is eligible to be a free agent once this season is over. With the number of potential suitors expected to be high, and the dollar amounts outrageous, it is unlikely that the Brewers will be able to afford signing Sabathia long-term. And they know that. The Cubs, on the other hand, fully expect to pick up the 2009 option on Harden's contract, assuming he stays healthy and perhaps even if he doesn't. Recognizing that he will likely be a Cubs employee beyond this season, the Cubs are handling Harden with kid gloves.  Knowing how fragile his health has been over the years, they are being careful with him. CC, on the other hand, is being allowed to pitch until his arm falls off. Well, that's not entirely fair because the Brew Crew certainly don't want his arm to fall off before he takes them to the World Series. But ... (link)