MLB: Rangers Deal Millwood, Harden on the Way?
The Texas Rangers agreed to trade starting pitcher Kevin Millwood and $3 million to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for reliever Chris Ray. On the heels of that deal comes word that the Rangers and free agent pitcher Rich Harden are close to coming to terms on a contract.
The deal is mostly a salary dump for the Rangers as the financially strapped franchise will get about $8 million in payroll relief. In Chris Ray they get a former closer who is still working his way back from elbow surgery. Ray saved 33 games and had a 2.73 ERA in 2006 before succumbing to the elbow injury during the 2007 season.
In landing Millwood the Orioles now have a starting pitcher capable of anchoring the rotation and giving them 15 wins and 200 innings, something they have not had since Erik Bedard was dealt to Seattle.
It is believed that Millwood was dealt to the Orioles to facilitate negotiations that would bring Rich Harden to Texas as their new ace. Harden made $7 million in Chicago last season and given the litany of injuries he has suffered over the years it is thought that he will sign for far less than the $15 million that Millwood is set to receive next season.
