OAKLAND, CALIF. ? The Oakland Athletics signed right-hander Rich Harden to a $9 million, four-year contract Saturday, a deal that includes a club option for 2009.

Harden, promoted to the No. 2 spot in the rotation after the December departures of Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder, received a $1 million signing bonus.

“It’s a little weird,” said Harden, who planned to take his sister, Kristen, out for a nice dinner Saturday night. “I’m definitely excited.”

He will make $500,000 this season, a hefty increase from his original contract for 2005, which called for a $336,500 salary. He will make $1 million in 2006, $2 million in 2007 and $4.5 million in 2008. The club option is for $7 million and does not include a buyout.

The deal also includes escalators based on innings pitched.

“It’s nice writing his name down every fifth day,” manager Ken Macha said. “It’s a tribute to the development he’s made. I think his progress has been a steep upward curve. I’m sure this will put a smile on his face.”

Harden will be happier once he’s on the mound Wednesday in Baltimore. He has a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand that kept him from making an exhibition start Friday against the San Francisco Giants.