Harris on Harris

Today's trade between the Orioles and Twins assures that Brendan Harris will be packing his bags again. Or maybe he never unpacks them. Harris, 30, has batted .260 in 458 career major league games with the Chicago Cubs (2004), Montreal Expos (2004), Washington Nationals (2005-06), Cincinnati Reds (2006), Tampa Bay Rays (2007) and Twins (2008-2010). Does it become easier or harder as he gets older and it's time to order more change-of-address cards? "It can go both ways," said Harris, who attended William & Mary and lives in Arlington, Va. "The first time I was traded from the Cubs, the emotional aspect was like, 'Oh man, what?' It's like the rug is pulled out from under you. But I think as you get older, you get a little more jaded to the business side of the game. You know it's part of the deal. Very few guys are lucky enough to get drafted and play their whole career with one organization. In that aspect, it's easier. But at this point, being from the East Coast and I've got family from here, as far as trades, it's probably one of the easier ones." Harris, who spoke to reporters via conference call, has appeared in 214 major league games at shortstop, 120 at third base and 118 at second, posting a .973 fielding percentage. He also can play first base and the outfield. Throw a mask and chest protector at him, and he'd squat behind the plate without argument. "I'll come in ready to do anything and come in in good shape and be ready for any opportunity I get to play," he said. Harris said he wasn't surprised by the trade. "I'm just ecstatic that it's the Orioles and the situation I'm coming into, the team and organization I'm coming into," he said. Harris also offered a brief scouting report on shortstop J.J. Hardy. "He's a real good player, real fundamentally sound," Harris said. "He's had a couple injuries the last couple of years, but when he's healthy, he's one of more productive power-hitting shortstops in baseball."