Cubbies Have a Harden

The Chicago Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher (and left-handed batter) Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade Tuesday, along with righty Chad Gaudin in exchange for right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor league catcher Josh Donaldson.

The injury-prone Harden, who becomes eligible for free agency after the 2009 season, is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA over 13 starts this season, and is set to make $4.75 million for his services. He’s scheduled to pitch either Friday or Saturday night at his new home, Wrigley Field, against the San Francisco Giants.

Chad Gaudin Healthy Enough for Spring

The Oakland Athletics have avoided their final salary arbitration case this offseason, signing Chad Gaudin to a $1.775 million, one-year contract Friday. In addition to his regular salary, Gaudin could earn $100,000 in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.

After pitching exclusively in relief in 2006, Gaudin joined the A's rotation for the first time last season, going 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA in all, but slumping to 3-10 after the All-Star break. Regardless, he tied for the AL lead with 34 starts last year.

The 24-year-old righty had a torn labrum repaired on his left hip and underwent surgery on his right foot on Dec. 18th and is still in a walking boot. However, he is expected to make a full recovery in time to join right-handers Joe Blanton, Rich Harden and Justin Duchscherer in the rotation.

[Oakland Athletics News]