A's Deal Harden to Cubs

The Athletics have agreed to send pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubs.  In return, Oakland will receive highly-touted starter Sean Gallagher and former top prospect Matt Murton along with Eric "Corey's Brother" Patterson and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson.

With the Brewers' acquisition of C.C. Sabathia yesterday, Cubs GM Jim Hendry no doubt felt increasing pressure to add another power arm to contend in the NL Central.  However, Hendry tried to dispel any notions of this being a reactionary move, claiming that the clubs had been in serious talks for several weeks.