The A’s pitcher coveted by the Mets is not right-hander Rich Harden, but right-hander Dan Haren, according to major-league sources. Several reports have indicated that the Mets want to trade for Harden, but the team considers Harden’s injury history a red flag, sources say.
Haren, a 14-game winner in each of the past two seasons, is more accomplished than Harden, and only one year older. He also is more durable, averaging 220 innings the past two seasons.
The A’s surely are reluctant to trade Harden, who is signed for a bargain-basement $11.7 million over the next three seasons, with a $6.75 million club option for 2010.
The A’s covet Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-hander Aaron Heilman. The Mets declined to trade either of those players for left-hander Barry Zito, a potential free agent, last summer.
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