Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington was a coach last year with Oakland and just told me there was nothing wrong with Rich Harden physically when he came of the DL after three months with a sprained elbow.
“He was slinging that stuff at 95 mph,’’ Washington said. “Fastball, splits, he was throwing everything. His velocity was fine, but his command was off. That’s to be expected after being out. We might have rushed him. If he had four, five starts, he would have been right there.’‘
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John had this to say when I said I felt a Humber, Heilman and Milledge package was too much and why Harden would be betetr than Zito:
“Harden made $1.25 million last year. The Zito package will be over $100 million. If I get Harden, I can use the Zito money elsewhere and in the future.
Harden is also a hard thrower, which is what the Mets need.
I know Humber and Milledge are more potential than production, but so is Harden.
I know what you’d be giving up, but I make the deal because you get a power arm and save a bunch of money.”