Rich Harden Trade to Boston Red Sox for Lars Anderson Falls Through

It appears that the Rich Harden era will continue in Oakland, for now, and the Lars Anderson era in Oakland may never begin after all.

Reports surfaced earlier in the day that a trade between the A’s and Red Sox was imminent, sending Harden to Boston in exchange for 23 year-old first base prospect Lars Anderson and a player to be named later.

The deal seemed to be a perfect fit for both teams.

The Red Sox would be acquiring a pitcher with the capability to be a true difference maker when healthy and the A’s were acquiring a young corner infielder capable of stepping in where Daric Barton and Chris Carter fell short.

Both teams were dealing from a position of strength. The A's have Josh Outman and Tyson Ross ready to step into the rotation in place of Harden and Lars Anderson is blocked in Boston by probable-MVP Adrian Gonzalez.

Following the game, though, Harden spoke with reporters following the game regarding the trade speculation.

Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle and Jane Lee of MLB.com both reported that Billy Beane had told Harden that he is still an Athletic and scheduled to pitch Tuesday against Seattle.

This article is also featured on Bayseball.com.

Brandon McClintock covers the Oakland Athletics and Major League Baseball for BleacherReport.com. You can follow me on Twitter:       @BMcClintock_BR.