Twins Sign Harden to Minor League Deal

The Twins signed 31-year old veteran righthander Rich Harden to a minor league contract.  Harden didn't pitch at all in 2012 as he recovered from shoulder surgery.  Harden has had an injury riddled career having thrown more than 100 innings in a season just 3 times and he never threw more than 189 2/3 innings.  He had a 4-4 record with a 5.12 ERA in 15 starts pitching for Oakland in 2011.

Harden has pitched for Oakland, the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers in his 9 year Major League career.  Harden is considered a risk but is a strikeout pitcher.  He has struckout 949 in 928 1/3 career innings.  Harden is invited to Twins spring training and will have a chance to make the starting rotation if he is healthy.