Harden's Arm Still Attached, Option Picked-Up

Rich Harden's arm is at least somewhat intact, since the Cubs exercised his option. This doesn't mean he's going to be ready in time for Spring Training. Mumblings in the news and on the web have been, even if he needs some minor surgery, he's worth the $7 million. I'm sure news on his health will be (leaked) out shortly.

So far, the Cubs have four of their five starting pitchers back under contract

Harden
Ted Lilly
Jason Marquis
Carlos Zambrano

Throw in Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, Jeff Samardzija and who knows who else, you do have to wonder if the Cubs will re-sign Ryan Dempster.