Oct 8, 2008 - 7:06 PM
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Facing a Wednesday deadline, the Cubs elected to pick up the $7 million contract option for 2009 on Harden, who has had a history of injuries.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the team was waiting for the 26-year-old pitcher to visit with a shoulder specialist before making a decision on his option.
Harden was scheduled to be examined Wednesday, but the team has not yet released results.
Harden received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder in early September, and his velocity dropped after his start against the Washington Nationals on August 24.
According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, an advanced scout believed the injury-prone Harden has elbow or shoulder problems.
"I've had him consistently down at least five miles per hour from what he used to throw," the scout told the newspaper. "There's something (in his arm)."
The Cubs limited Harden's appearances down the stretch this regular season, as he made only two starts after September 11. The British Columbia native pitched in Game Three of Chicago's Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
With a career record of 41-20 and a 3.23 ERA, Harden has been a dominant pitcher when healthy. He made 25 starts this season after combining for 13 the previous two years.
Aware of his history, the Cubs acquired Harden from the Oakland Athletics prior to the trade deadline, hoping that he could be the final piece in getting Chicago to the World Series for the first time since 1945.
At times, Harden was overpowering for the Cubs, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.77 ERA in 12 starts. He helped lead Chicago to the best record in the National League (97-65), but the Cubs were swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS.
If Harden opts to undergo arthroscopic surgery, he likely would be sidelined until early May.
