Chicago Cubs Keep Rich Harden, Aaron Heilman on Roster

The Chicago Cubs had the opportunity to move two pitchers off their staff after they were claimed off waivers, but they were unable to reach an agreement on deals for either of them. Rich Harden and Aaron Heilman were both claimed off waivers last week, reportedly by the Twins and Giants, respectively. Harden has pitched very well in the second half of the season, and his value likely escalated in the wake of the Angels trading for Scott Kazmir.  Heilman, meanwhile, has been a waste of both money and a roster spot. In not moving either pitcher, the Cubs and General Manager Jim Hendry have shown that they have no willingness to admit that the 2009 season is a bust. Harden is a free agent in five weeks and could—indeed, he should—have brought a couple prospects back to a team in desperate need of building a farm system.  If Minnesota were willing to deal more than two prospects that were at least at Double-A, the Cubs missed an opportunity by keeping Harden. With...