Drafted in the 14th round (438th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008.
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Harden, a Miami recruit, battled hamstring problems early and missed six weeks, but he was finishing strong and had interest from some teams in the fifth- to eighth-round range. He's shown a power arm with a low-90s fastball, touching 94, complemented at times by a plus slider in the low 80s. He's the safest bet in the state to get drafted with a single-digit pick.
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Harden made as strong an impression as any of the players in Arizona's 2008 draft class, dominating both out of the bullpen and as a starter at Missoula. He was an important recruit for Miami and would have been a closer candidate for the Hurricanes--the same role he had at New Mexico JC--but the Diamondbacks were able to sign him for $75,000. He missed six weeks of action before the draft with hamstring problems but was healthy at Rookie-level Missoula, showing a low-90s fastball that touched 94 with sink. His slider also can be a plus pitch though it's inconsistent, and he also already has a decent changeup. He's an adrenaline-rush pitcher who seems well suited for the back of the bullpen, but Arizona tried him as a starter because of his three-pitch mix and liked the results. He struck out 10 in each of his first two starts, showing his tremendous feel for how to attack hitters. He has a strong frame and clean delivery that suggest he'll be durable, and the Diamondbacks love his mound demeanor. It's a little early to get too excited, but Harden has a lot of ingredients for success. Team officials are interested to see what he'll do in the South Bend rotation.
Minor League Top Prospects
A product of New Mexico JC, Harden would have transferred to Miami and become the Hurricanes' closer had he not signed as a 14th-rounder. He began his pro career in Missoula's bullpen before moving into the rotation, where he went 1-3, 2.05 with a 48-6 K-BB ratio in 31 innings. Harden has a low-90s fastball that touches 94 mph and gets nice sink. His low-80s slider was a plus pitch at times, and he also mixed in a changeup. He has a durable body and a good delivery. "His mentality, his demeanor and approach on the mound are A-plus," Diamondbacks farm director A.J. Hinch said.
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Rated Best Control in the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009
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