In an attempt by Theo Epstein to re-conjure the magic that won the Red Sox the 2007 World Series, Boston has reportedly traded for Rich Harden.
The deal reportedly sends Pawtucket first baseman Lars Anderson and a player to be named later for the Oakland Athletics, and brings another pitcher with a shadowy past and injury-plagued present to the Red Sox, much like the Eric Gagne trade did back in July, 2007.
Harden's only played in five games this year for Oakland, going 2-1 in five starts with a 4.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 3.00 K/BB. In eight and a half major league seasons, Harden is 57-35 with a 3.65 ERA.
Harden's battled back and arm injuries this year, which postponed the start of his season until July 1st, and he's gone at least five innings in each start this season, allowing two earned runs or more in each start.
The loss of Anderson means that Boston must hope that Adrian Gonzalez can stay healthy, since trading Anthony Rizzo in the Adrian Gonzalez move last winter means the Sox don't have a serviceable first baseman anywhere near ready for major league action.