Twins Sign Rich Harden

[TooMutch14]

This from Twins beat reporter Rhett Bollinger's Twitter

@RhettBollinger: #MNTwins sign RHP Rich Harden to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training

I like it...IF he stays healthy (since he had Tommy John surgery) I think he'll be effective. It's also reported that he could be a starter or reliever depending in how he reacts. I've always been a fan of watching healthy Rich Harden pitch.

What do you guys think?

[viksalltheway!]

I like it doesn't hurt us we need someone like him, Probably my favorite signing this offseason.

[foofighter97]

Interesting signing. Spring training is going to be fun this year. The twins have been linked to Brandon Webb and Freddie garcia also. The more competition the better.

[PurpleJesus]

all it is, is a big name that fans can get behind. I don't think it is realistic to expect more of him than Mike Pelfrey, but fans will at least recognize the Rich Harden name and get on board because of that.

[Vikes ball boy]

I like it as long as he isnt Joel Zumaya 2.0

[catman]

Even if he is Joel Zumaya 2.0, its worth the shot. He won't cost mush to look at.

[SiteWolf]

buncha pessimists 'round here

there is no way this is anything but a positive signing....the guy 'could' be our #1 starter for cryin' out loud (not saying he's a #1, but amongst OUR list he could be..)

He's looked good in sessions, may not be fully back...so the question is (thinking positive) is he ready for the innings of a starter? or, to start anyway, does he have the stuff to be at the back end of the bullpen?

I've been hoping this signing might happen since July....

[specialiststeve]

I think it would be wise for us to move him to the bullpen and see if he can close. Less stress on his arm and he can let it rip for a few innings a week and recover. Pretty clear his body - arm can't handle the starting so why push it. I think he could be a cheap and dominant closer!!

[TooMutch14]

I think it would be wise for us to move him to the bullpen and see if he can close. Less stress on his arm and he can let it rip for a few innings a week and recover. Pretty clear his body - arm can't handle the starting so why push it. I think he could be a cheap and dominant closer!!

I like this...harden has "closer" stuff. I'm not sure if he throws his split anymore because of his arm troubles, but even if he doesn't he'd still be great I think

[viksalltheway!]

I think we should start him in the bullpen and if he shows improvement then put him in the rotation and see how he does

[MattyG]

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[WSU Tony]

It's funny how us fans would have considered pitching this past season as our #1 priority but management thought we should "give it a go" with what we had. That didn't work. At all.

I'm glad to see some high ranking fresh arms in the minors again. Smith really did a number trying to turn this team into an offensive based club. Terry Ryan has the "cheap but win" system down. Is it designed for the long season not the post season. Sure. Have we won a playoff game in the past 10 we've played, I don't think so.

It has its ups and downs I guess. At this point I'll take the winning in the regular season to get slaughtered in the playoffs vs losing 90 games a year.

[MattyG]

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[WSU Tony]

Duensing and Swarzak are the affordable bridges to carry us to our newly found pitching talent. I believe we have 3+ pitchers in the minors who will end up being as good if not better than these two. If Duensing and Swarzak improve, great. If not, we'll let them go after two more seasons to make room for the guys who are ready.

There is no need to sign a "#3" FA pitcher for 3-4 years at 10-12M a year only to ask yourself where your money has gone and why you can't find a spot for a good young pitcher who is ready to go.

Harden - take a flyer. Pelfrey - fine, he's a bridge. Same with Swarzak and Duensing.

[MattyG]

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