Twins Sign Pitcher Rich Harden to Minor League Deal - East Idaho News
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Twins Sign Pitcher Rich Harden to Minor League Deal

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Getty S 122212 Harden?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1356214413847Chris Trotman/Getty Images(MINNEAPOLIS) — The Minnesota Twins are doing whatever they can to add depth to their starting rotation. The team has signed starting pitcher Rich Harden to a minor league contract.

The 31-year old Harden sat out the 2012 season after recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Harden’s career has been derailed by injuries, but he will get a chance to compete for a spot in the Twins’ starting rotation in 2013.

Harden’s talent has never been in question, but his durability has been. He hasn’t pitched over 150 innings in a season since 2004. He has a career 3.76 ERA, but has only averaged 18 starts per season.

Since making his Major League debut in 2003, only Tim Lincecum and Clayton Kershaw have a better strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio. The Twins are hoping he can reach back to the fountain of youth and stay healthy.

The Twins so far this offseason have acquired Harden along with fellow pitchers Vane Worley, Kevin Correia, and Mike Pelfrey. Minnesota had the second-worst ERA among American League teams last season.

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