Harden Placed On Waivers

Sometimes, the world is a funny place. While doing research on the fate of Rich Harden since the Red Sox backed out on a deal for the A's righty just before the trade deadline, I stumbled across reports that the walking injury hard-throwing starter had been placed on waivers by Oakland, and this report from NESN.com:

"There is nothing to indicate that the Sox are still interested in Harden, especially considering their acquisition of Bedard shortly thereafter, but Oakland has placed the 29-year-old starter on waivers, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal."

Harden has gone 1-1 in three starts since the ill-fated deal, throwing 16.2 innings with 9 earned runs, good for a 4.82 ERA during that stretch. It would make sense that Theo Epstein would leave this one alone, especially since Wakefield is such an innings eater (6+ innings in three starts since the deadline), and they feel Bedard's arm is healthier (which is a scary thought.)

With John Lackey putting up a healthy 6-0 record over his last seven starts, the $15 million-dollar man can safely remove his dunce cap for the time being (warning: .349 BABIP!!), and the Red Sox don't have to give up anyone else from their farm system.

Looks like it's pray for rain and that Clay Buchholz's back heals. Zoiks.
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UPDATE: Peter Gammons tweeted on Saturday, August 21 -


Longtime Rich Harden observer:"Friday was best stuff and arm slot he's had in years." Too bad Harden and Breslow didn't get through waivers

Indeed Mr. Gammons, indeed.