O's acquire Hardy, Harris

[love_that_reefer]

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are nearing a trade for Twins infielders J.J. Hardy and Brendan Harris.
The Twins are expected to get two pitchers in return, with Connolly naming Brett Jacobson and Jim Hoey. But it's not a sure thing yet that those are the two involved. Minnesota has felt a need to move Hardy this winter in order to avoid the nearly $7 million salary hit that they're going to take via his arbitration eligibility. He had a down year in 2010, but this feels like a positive acquisition for the Orioles.

The deal should be announced after the Rule V draft. Hardy is a big improvement over the light hitting Izturis and should help cover some ground on the left side of the infield since Reynolds is terrible at third. I can see him hitting for more power at Camden. I like the deal but what very surprised that's all it took to get Hardy.

[catman]

On the surface, it appears the Twins gave Hardy away cheap, but to get rid of Harris' contract, it might be worth it.