Jim Hendry and the National League best Chicago Cubs made a huge splash on Tuesday, acquiring ace Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Oakland A’s. In exchange for Harden and Gaudin, A’s GM Billy Beane received pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton, INF-OF Eric Patterson, and catching prospect Josh Donaldson.

“I don’t necessarily think we’ve taken a step back. I think we’ve taken a step forward for the next three to five years,” Beane said. “We were balancing that the club’s playing well but also keeping in mind that we’ve had numerous injuries over the last week.“

Rich Harden was heavily mentioned in trade rumors weeks prior to Tuesday, so the news of the deal didn’t necessarily surprise the young right hander.

“I heard it was going to happen. Still it’s always a surprise,” Harden said. “It’s a bit of a shock but it will be good. They’ve got a good team and a chance of doing something special. “

Cubs GM Jim Hendry said that the trade wasn’t in response to the C.C Sabathia deal.

“We felt that the two high end guys who would possibly be available were the two that have already been traded. Those are legit one and two starters. So we tried to focus on trying to acquire one,” Hendry said. “It certainly wasn’t a reaction move. We would have gladly had Rich two or three weeks ago.”