A's Not Agenst Trading Harden

Matthew Cerrone at Mets Blog, writes about A's Pitcher Rich Harden and how the A's aren't against trading him:

Meanwhile, Rosenthal also notes that the A’s are willing to trade RHP Rich Harden, who is currently on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

During ESPN.com’s Baseball Today podcast, from last Friday, Buster Olney seconded Rosenthal’s thoughts on Harden, adding that the Mets, among others, would certainly be interested should he become available because the pitcher has never suffered a major injury, just small nagging ones.

Prior to missing most all of last season with a variety of injuries, the 25–year-old Harden posted a 3.67 ERA in 439 innings while striking out 404 batters and walking just two per seven innings.

Harden signed a four-year extension at the start of the 2005 season, which is set to pay him $2 million this season and $4.5 million in 2008 with a club option at $7 million for 2009. He is eligible for free-agency after the 2009 season.