Rich Harden Trade a Reaction to Sabathia Trade?

After weeks of following Sabathia’s future, my source called me last night to say he was surprised to find out about A’s right-hander Rich Harden traded to the Cubs in a six player deal.

Cubs GM Rich Hendry claimed to ESPN that it wasn’t a reaction to the Sabathia trade. “We would have gladly had Rich two or three weeks ago,” he said.

My source, however, claims the trade was only being talked about this past week. “I knew [the Cubs] were going to trade for someone,” he said, “I’m just surprised it happened this quickly.”

Harden, who has a 5-1 record and 2.34 ERA this season, with his well-documented injury-tendencies, is a great replacement for Mark Prior on the Cubs staff. He was only able to pitch 9 and 7 games respectively, over the past two seasons, but this year he has already pitched 13.

Arroyo Not Leaving Cincy Anytime Soon.

Another trade rumor my source knows a lot about is Bronson Arroyo, the Reds’ $11 million dollar man. Precisely because he is paid $11 million a year in 2009, he probably isn’t going to be moving. No one is going to pay $11 million a year for a 6-7 starter with a 5.82 ERA, and a mullet that looks like this:

“I haven’t heard anything about it,” source said, “If anything was happening, I would have heard it around the office.”

He said there was always the possibility someone desperate for pitchers could make a move right at the deadline, possibly the Cardinals, but Arroyo isn’t on the top of anyone’s list right now.

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