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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sources: Cubs more open to dealing Harden

Latest from Jon Paul Morobothal.

The Twins are serious about acquiring right-hander Rich Harden from the Chicago Cubs, and the Cubs may be more open to dealing Harden than originally thought, major league sources told FOXSports.com on Saturday.

Chicago placed Harden on waivers earlier this week, and Minnesota was awarded the claim. The teams have until Monday to work out a deal.

The Cubs could trade Harden and shift their focus to the future, now that they trail the Cardinals by nine games in the National League Central. According to Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs have a 5 percent chance of reaching the postseason.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has moved into second place in the American League Central, 4 1/2 games back. And the Twins could make up a lot of ground on the division-leading Tigers at the end of the season, as the two teams play seven times over the final two weeks.

Harden, earning $7 million this year, is projected to be a Type A free agent at season’s end, according to researcher Eddie Bajek of MLBTradeRumors.com.

He would have greater trade value if it was certain that he would be offered salary arbitration after the season — and reject that offer, bringing compensatory draft picks. But that might not be the case in Chicago.

Repoz Posted: August 30, 2009 at 12:10 AM | 7 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: cubs, twins

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1. jyjjy Posted: August 30, 2009 at 01:50 AM (#3308867)

Would Harden accepting arbitration really be a big negative? It's curious that he got through the NL unclaimed. What am I missing here?

2. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: August 30, 2009 at 01:57 AM (#3308872)

I fear that if the Cubs dealt him to the Twins, the returns would be negligible since the Twins would be trading for a one-month rental in a worst-case scenario. If the Cubs could get a nice package of young players in return, I'd be more open to it. The Cubs' system is pretty barren right now and the Twins have a history of churning out some useful position players.

3. Darren

Posted: August 30, 2009 at 02:27 AM (#3308898)

Yeah, first off, no way he takes arbitration. Secondly, if he does, he becomes a very valuable trade commodity.

4. Ozzie's gay friend Posted: August 30, 2009 at 03:47 AM (#3308935)

I'm a little surprised at how aggresive the Twins are this year, it seems they're always around this position this time of year.
Their staff is worse than it's been in years, and they're largely being carried by Mauer, Mourneu and Kubel.

5. Repoz

Posted: August 30, 2009 at 03:59 AM (#3308942)

largely being carried by Mauer, Mourneu and Kubel.

Span's near .400 OBP as lead off has been pretty sweet also.

6. SUBJ is growing his playoff beard Posted: August 30, 2009 at 06:10 AM (#3309011)

Why is there no interest at all in re-signing him? Is it just $? Gee...maybe if we weren't spending 12 MILLION A YEAR ON RYAN ####### DEMPSTER....

7. Walt Davis Posted: August 30, 2009 at 07:59 PM (#3309245)

Is it just $?

No, there's also his awful injury history. He's definitely a gamble -- one I think is worth taking (depending on the $) but a gamble.

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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sources: Cubs more open to dealing Harden

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