well,

the A's got some prospects. None of them seem like studs though. Depth maybe? Maybe Billy feels for the Rivercats and wants to help bolster that team? man, I donno.
- Freddie Footballer

Harden is damaged goods

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/03/SPVT11IRDM.DTL

" The Angels were aware that Rich Harden's velocity was down Tuesday night, an outing in which Harden said he felt he had "kind of a dead arm" - both something he's experienced before and something not unusual among starters this time of year. Several Angels hitters said Wednesday that they thought Harden was hurt, but Harden said after his start that he was fine physically. His fastball registered 4 to 5 mph lower than usual for much of the night. On Wednesday, Harden reiterated that he felt fine."

that's all you need to know right there..Harden is going down so Beane essentially gave up Gaudin for 4 players. Gaudin is nice but he's only 1 man. I'll give Beane the benefit of the doubt!

know more in a week

I think we'll know more in a week, but the trade is looking better for the A's now that I think about it. Gallagher is a solid, if unspectacular pitcher, and apparently he'll be starting for the A's this week. Harden seems done as Bobby mentioned. I guess Beane was thinking of getting something for Harden while his value was high than risk Harden going back on the DL and getting squat. I like the thinking, of course, there's always a risk Harden can stay healthy and be a horse, but I'd say the chances are less than 40% that he does get and stay healthy.
- Freddie Footballer