Sources: Cubs more open to dealing Harden

Negotiations between the Twins and Cubs about Chicago right-hander Rich Harden have advanced enough that the teams are discussing names that would be included in a potential deal, major league sources told FOXSports.com late Saturday. A deal did not appear close, sources said, and may not get done at all due to a difference over Harden's perceived value. Chicago placed Harden on waivers earlier this week, and Minnesota was awarded the claim. The teams have until Monday to work out a deal. The Cubs could trade Harden and shift their focus to the future, now that they trail the Cardinals by nine games in the National League Central. According to Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs have a 5 percent chance of reaching the postseason. Minnesota, meanwhile, has moved into second place in the American League Central, 4 1/2 games back. And the Twins could make up a lot of ground on the division-leading Tigers at the end of the season, as the two teams play seven times over the final two weeks. Harden, earning $7 million this year, is projected to be a Type A free agent at season's end, according to researcher Eddie Bajek of MLBTradeRumors.com. He would have greater trade value if it was certain that he would be offered salary arbitration after the season — and reject that offer, bringing compensatory draft picks. But that might not be the case in Chicago. Harden could earn as much as $10 million through the arbitration process. The Cubs might not be comfortable committing that much money to a pitcher who has a history of injuries. And it's not known yet what the Cubs' player payroll will be under the new Ricketts ownership. So, if the Cubs don't expect to re-sign Harden, and have little interest in offering him salary arbitration, it makes sense for them to get what they can in a trade now. Based on performance alone, Harden's trade value is at a high point. He is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA in eight starts since the All-Star break, and his .500 opponents' OPS is the second-lowest among NL starters in that stretch, behind only the Phillies' Cliff Lee. The acquisition of Harden would be viewed favorably within the Twins clubhouse. Prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, stars Joe Nathan, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer said in a Minneapolis Star Tribune story that they were frustrated about the team's failure to make major trades during prior years. Since then, general manager Bill Smith has added shortstop Orlando Cabrera, starter Carl Pavano and relievers Jon Rauch and Ron Mahay. Harden could have a bigger impact than any of them, with the possible exception of Cabrera. Minnesota has been looking to add experience to its rotation since losing Kevin Slowey to season-ending wrist surgery, and Harden has participated in three postseasons. (Harden, like Morneau, is from British Columbia.) The Twins only have three established pitchers in their rotation. Harden is scheduled to make his next start for the Cubs on Monday — the same day the Twins start a crucial home series against the White Sox.