Harden Deal: What Would’ve Been

After hearing rumors swirling around baseball on Saturday evening, I thought the Oakland Athletics were closing in on a deal that would send right-hander Rich Harden to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 1B Lars Anderson and a player to be named later. With question marks surrounding Oakland’s first base situation, the deal, to me at least, seemed to make sense.

And Harden, 29, would’ve been a nice pick up for Boston, a team in search for much needed pitching help. Unfortunately, the talks ultimately fell through, as the Red Sox did not like the reports on Harden’s medical history. Harden has always battled injuries throughout his entire career, but when he’s healthy, many consider him a very solid right-hander.

If the deal had gone through, the Red Sox would’ve received Harden and the A’s would’ve gotten Anderson. With Daric Barton out for the season, and Chris Carter trying to break through on the big-league level, Oakland currently has a few question marks surrounding first base.

Anderson, 23, was considered the first baseman of the future for the Red Sox, but once the team acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Anderson future at first became uncertain. In 103 games this season for Triple-A Pawtucket, Anderson is hitting .261/.362/.420 with 10 HR and 58 RBIs.

The A’s would’ve gotten a fine ballplayer if the Harden deal had gone through, but that’s neither here nor there. The A’s need to address their situation at first base, as I’m thinking Barton is probably finished in Oakland. As for Carter, the recent deal with Arizona that sent reliever Brad Ziegler to the D’Backs in exchange for left-hander Jordan Norberto and 1B Brandon Allen could put his title as the A’s future first-baseman in jeopardy.