Cubs swing trade for Rich Harden, beat Reds 7-3

On a day where the Cubs shined at Wrigley Field again they pulled up a 6-player trade to acquire Rich Harden and Chad Guadin from the Athletics. In exchange for the pitchers they gave up Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, Sean Gallagher, and a prospect. It didn't take Jim Hendry long to strike a deal for Oakland's ace who he had his eyes on for 3 or 4 weeks. I think this is a good move for the Cubs. As always though health is a major concern so monitoring Harden's pitch counts in starts will be vital in order to over assert his arm. The Cubs were refreshed after their day off returning to Wrigley with the bats ready to attack. Geovany Soto continued where he left off in St. Louis driving a 3-run homerun into left-center in route to the 7-3 win.

Ryan Dempster left his former team mesmerized yesterday with another brilliant outing. The stat line on Dempster: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO

He garnered plenty of run support to pick up his 10th win. With the way he's pitching at home along with Zambrano, Lilly, and Harden the Cubs have a powerful rotation, a threat to any team in the NL. The offense is geared up at home. Aramis Ramirez had a triple and single with a RBI while Mike Fontenot contributed his part with a 2-run homer in the 4th off Aaron Harang, his 6th of the year. In 47 games at home the Cubs are hitting .311 and slugging .502. I expect those numbers to rise in the second half. If only they'd duplicate these performances on the road.

Finishing up the homestand with a sweep over the Reds and taking at least 2-of-3 from the Giants would give the Cubs an extra push leading into the All-Star break. By then it all is healed Soriano will rejoin the lineup. Carlos Zambrano (9-3) eyes another opportunity for a win taking the mound today for his 2nd start since coming off the DL. When he's amped up and bringing up the power I like the Cubs chances against any team. He counter the Reds' Johnny Cueto (7-8) in a NL Central matchup. I'll like to see Harden take it slow and easy in first start as a Cub this week. Go Cubs Go!