Rich Harden

[tony2sweet]

Realgm.com is reporting that Rich Harden is available. What would you give up if you were the Brewers?

[RockCoCougars]

This is one guy that I would actually trade Weeks or Hall (plus a little bit more) for. One of the best pitchers in the A.L.

[DHonks]

Well, since Brad Nelson likely won't land anything, I think I'd offer a reliever like Sarfate, the A's might value Nix's offense or Gwynn's game (as Beane has shifted to valuing defensive metrics), Zach Jackson, and another player of their choosing.

 

Actually, Bill Hall makes some sense for them. Harden is a bit of a risk. He sprained his elbow ligament, so it's conceivable that he could finish tearing it in the next year or so. However, he's a player that is at least as good as Sheets, if not better, when healthy.

[brettac1]

Rich Harden is as good as Sheets when healthy. He is really, really good. No way I'd trade Hall for him, though.

 

Milledge for him has been the rumor, but it's moreso because Buster Olney seems to have this idea in his head that the A's lust for Lastings Milledge.

 

In all, I don't actually think Harden is available. Blanton, probably, but not King Richard. I'm not a particularly big fan of Blanton, though, I remember getting into a discussion last offseason with some who thought he had a higher ceiling than Haren, which he doesn't.

[Oldcity]

So Brett, I assume that you'd trade Hall for Harden if not for the injury concerns? Because I'd have to think twice about it, even with his arm problems. Harden's awesome.

[DHonks]

I'd have no qualms about dealing for Harden, because it's elbow injuries. If they were shoulder injuries, I wouldn't consider it.

[brettac1]

Yeah, if it weren't for the injuries, I likely would. The A's probably think they need a SS due to Crosby's total meltdown, so maybe the Brewers could trade Hardy and more for him (if he were to actually be available). Allegedly, Beane was interested in Mench last season, but I don't buy that, either. Maybe Jackson would interest them, or even Jenkins.

[tony2sweet]

I like Harden alot. He can be down right filthy. His contract is very affordable. I would give up Hardy and Will Inman to get him. This would be my rotation.

 

Sheets

Harden

Capuano

Bush

Gallardo

[sbrylski]

Rosenthal reports that its actually Haren's name that has been talked about, not Harden. Though sorry, I have no link. You'll have to trust me or look it up for yourself.

 

(And he may be very good, but I still say Sheets is slightly better than them. Compare their K/BB. Sheets has an ever so slight advantage in K's, but never walks anyone.)

[Oldcity]

Haren is also a very attractive option. He has less health issues than Harden. It would take a lot to get either one, obviously.

[AJ Love]

I don't get why the A's would want to trade either one... I'd love to have either of them on the Brewers but I do think Sheets is better than either of them

 

No way would I trade Hall or Weeks though.

[UWRyan428]

Hall for Harden...in a second. Hall is a luxury on this team. Harden is a cornerstone. I remember when Harden was more untouchable than Zito. Well, he still is. Doyle would proclaim it "Doug Melvin Day" if this were to transpire. HARDEN/SHEETS!!! Best 1-2 in the last 5 years.

[GAME05]

I only wouldn't trade Hall for Harden because it would sap our already-weak offense, but I don't disagree that sounds about fair.

 

Though I don't think Weeks would be enough to get Harden, I would do that in a second. We've already got the players to cover for second base in Hall and Graffy. Weeks+Inman sounds about right.

[hauser42]

I like Harden alot. He can be down right filthy. His contract is very affordable. I would give up Hardy and Will Inman to get him. This would be my rotation

 

I don't see this getting it done. Harden is a top end guy, even with the injury issue.

 

I love Harden but I don't give up Hall for him.