Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

The Cubs can either let Harden go or attempt to negotiate a trade with the Twins.

Harden, Heilman awarded claims to Twins, Giants

I have to imagine the Cubs would try to get something in return, but if not, they might just let him go and save about a month's worth of his salary.

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

Or they can pull him back off waivers.

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

Well, yes. I kind of phrased that differently than how I meant it.

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

Consider the Twins also picked up Ron Mahay and Jon Rauch, they're certainly buying. Good to see the Twins pushing for once. I wonder if it's driven buy the Mauer and Morneau long term situation -- either showing them that they're trying to win to get a long term deal done or trying to win while they still have them...

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

I don't see this as building. Harden is a 5-6 inning tops, injury prone pitcher, who will be a free agent after this season. This may help them to stay in contention in the AL Central, but I think both the Sox and Tigers are better, and they aren't taking the WC.

The Cubs would have to be stupid to not deal Harden. Guy just isn't anything more than a middle to back of the rotation pitcher due to his injuries and innings limits.

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

•The Cubs are more open to dealing Rich Harden to the Twins than you might think. The Cubs could receive two high draft picks if they offer Harden arbitration after the season and he signs elsewhere, but that's a risky strategy. Given his injury history, the club might not want to take a $10MM or so hit if he accepts, even for only one year.

•The bigger question with Harden may be how aggressive the Twins will be in trying to deal for him. Remember that stars Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan have said the team needs more to contend, with Morneau mentioning that the team needs to impress Joe Mauer since he's due to become a free agent after next season.

SATURDAY, 4:02pm: Ken Rosenthal said during a segment on FOX Saturday Baseball that a deal between the Twins and Cubs for right-hander Rich Harden could indeed happen.

Rosenthal made a couple of valid points: First, Harden is an impending free agent and the Cubs could always re-sign him in the winter. Second, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau have been pining for help and would be more inclined to sign long-term deals if Minnesota management shows a desire to win this season.

Re: Rich Harden claimed by Minnesota
 

Joe Mauer isn't going anywhere unless he just prices himself out of their ability to pay him. He is from there and he will stay there. They will pay him as well. Minnesota can not let him walk for any reason other than him simply wanting out and being vocal about it. I can't see that happening. Either way, Rich Harden is not going to make the difference.