The Brothers Sherlag made their first trade. Although the Chows and 'Topes have become bitter division rivals in only a short period of time, the sibling rivalry cooled long enough to find common ground and make a deal.
Going to Springfield will be oft (or is it always) injured starter Rich Harden, left handed reliever Matt Thornton and the Chows 12th round draft pick. Coming back to Illinois will be Keith Foulke, Tim Corcoran and Springfield's 1st Pick.
Chows GM Brad Sherlag explained the move as follows, "This was a difficult deal to pull the trigger on. Rich Harden could be one of the top five pitchers in the entire NASBL if he ever strings together a healthy season. However, keeping a pitcher each year with limited innings really hampers our roster building and decreases the chance we hit with prospects in the later rounds. Having three first round draft picks should help us change the direction of the Chows for years to come."
It is nice to see that Brad Sherlag isn't even pretending this time that the players coming back to Illinois will make an impact. Getting back a Keith Foulke is like the scene in major league where it is uttered "this guy here is dead." Though still alive, Foulke wouldn't even be good enough with his dead arm to pich in the Major Leagues, much less the NASBL.
'Topes fans can now hope that the nuclified air of Springfield will have regenerative properties for all Harden's ailments. If he can be healthy for the post-season run, the trade could help bring a crown to Springfield. If he can be healthy beyond, the younger Sherlag may be able to brag about a fleecing for the next 15 years or so.
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