Cubs after Harden

After losing out in the C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes, the Cubs appear to be focusing their efforts on Rich Harden, according the the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Cubs have spent a lot of time on the phone recently with Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane trying to pry away right-hander Rich Harden. Expect the phone lines to start burning a little hotter beginning today.

Interesting that Sabathia won the A.L. Cy Young last year, and Harden's expected to be a leading candidate for the award this year. If the Cubs end up landing Harden they may be getting the better pitcher -- at least for this year.