The Oakland Athletics decided to bring back Rich Harden:

Harden has agreed to terms on a one-year contract to rejoin the Athletics. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed Wednesday to The Associated Press that Harden was coming back to the A’s. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Harden must take a physical — and he has had his share of injury problems — before a formal announcement is made. The A’s may announce the deal by the end of the week.

This is one of those high risk, high reward deals that Billy Beane loves. If Harden pitches well and the Athletics are competing, great. If he pitches well and Oakland is out of the race, Beane can trade him to a contender. If he pitches poorly, Billy will only be out a few million dollars, if that.

Harden’s home run rates sky rocketed over the last two years. Maybe the big park in Oakland will help with that.