Rich Harden Chicago Cubs Photos Prints

Rich Harden Chicago Cubs 8x10 Photo

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Rich Harden is a Canadian starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Harden was drafted by the Athletics in the 17th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft, and signed by the team on May 28, 2001. Harden made his major league debut on July 21, 2003, against the Kansas City Royals. Harden was traded to the Chicago Cubs on July 8, 2008, in a six-player deal. He made his Cubs debut on July 12, 2008. On October 8, 2008, the Cubs picked up the $7 million option in Harden's contract for the 2009 season. Harden's most effective pitches are his fastball and his splitter. Harden's fastball typically reaches speeds of 95-98 mph, and on occasion has broken 100 mph. His splitter features an unusual break in mid-flight, similar in unpredictability to a knuckleball. It has been referred to as the "ghost pitch", while former Oakland Athletics catcher Adam Melhuse coined the term "spluckle", (a combination of splitter and knuckleball.) He also uses a slider and a changeup.