BOSTON — The non-waiver trade deadline is three weeks from tomorrow, but two deals in the last two days — yesterday’s that sent Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs, hard on the heels of Monday’s trade that shipped C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee — make it obvious: trading season is here.

The Sox’ interest in Harden was slight, given their concern about his durability (six DL stints in six seasons, including one earlier this year). Their talks with Cleveland lasted as long it took the Indians to request Double-A righty Michael Bowden and Single-A outfielder Josh Reddick, at which point the Sox determined the asking price was too high.

Now that Harden and Sabathia are gone, there isn’t much in the starting pitching market to tempt the Sox. For that matter, the available relief arms may be cost prohibitive and the team’s need for a bat may not be determined until they know if David Ortiz can fully come back from his wrist injury.

Ideally, the Sox would like to fill some future holes — catching, to be specific — but for teams in contention, making in-season deals for prospects can be highly problematic.

It’s unknown, then, what the Sox might be prioritizing in their trade talks. But what is known is that they’re dealing from a position of strength. The Sox’ farm system might not rival Tampa Bay’s or Milwaukee’s in terms of tradable prospects, but they have enough to interest teams and make deals.

It helps, too, that so many of the prospects dealt away in recent years (Hanley Ramirez, David Murphy, Cla Meredith, Kelly Shoppach and Freddy Sanchez) have flourished at the big-league level. That indicates to interested teams that Sox’ prospects aren’t overrated or overvalued.

Based on conversations with evaluators both within and outside the organization, what follows is a look at the prospects the Sox are going to be asked the most about in the next 22 days. The list is compiled without the inclusion of the players who have made their major-league debuts and are deemed untouchable by the Sox, including outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and pitchers Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson.

•ELITE PROSPECTS: These players, at various stages of development, are considered can’t-miss impact guys (with current team in parentheses).

RHP Michael Bowden (Portland): Bowden is a power pitcher dominating the Eastern League and will probably be promoted to Pawtucket not long after the break. Beyond Buchholz, Bowden is the most touted starting pitching prospect the Sox have, and as such, it would be shocking to see them give him up in a deal.

1B Lars Anderson (Lancaster): Anderson has a picture-perfect lefty swing and stands to be the team’s first baseman of the future — starting, say, in 2011. At this point, Anderson is the team’s most valued position player.

OF Josh Reddick (Lancaster): Reddick has begun to attract scouts’ attention with his play at Single A (advanced), where he’s hitting .346-15.52 through 65 games. Even allowing for the high desert air at Clear Channel Stadium, those are remarkable numbers.

OF Ryan Kalish (Greenville): Kalish’s name first surfaced last winter when he was said to be among the players being asked for by the Minnesota Twins in a deal for Johan Santana. His speed and outfield play make him a well-rounded player. Though physically bigger, he’s been compared to J.D. Drew.

INF Jed Lowrie (Pawtucket): While there is debate about his best position, has already shown that he can play at the big-league level.

•NEXT LEVEL DOWN

These players are highly valued, but not enough to bring an established in-demand player by themselves.

LHP Kris Johnson (Portland): The most prized left-handed pitcher in the organization just now fully regaining his full arm strength after Tommy John surgery in college.

RHP Daniel Bard (Portland): Now that Bard has finally harnessed his command and projects as either a closer or starter, his value has been re-established.

SS Oscar Tejeda (Greenville): Raw and very young (19), but astounding skill set. If his power develops, he ould be a five-tool middle-infield star.

OF Che-Hsuan Lin (Greenville): Signed as a free agent from Taiwan, Lin has exceptional speed and an outstanding arm, though he is still developing at the plate. Good enough for an invite to the upcoming Futures Game.

C Mark Wagner (Portland): Wagner hasn’t started to hit yet, but is fundamentally sound behind the plate and that alone attracts attention.

•COULD DRAW INTEREST

These players won’t be the centerpiece of any deals, but could be complementary players included to make the overall package more attractive.

OF Brandon Moss (Boston): Some see him as a fourth outfielder, but others think his ceiling is higher than David Murphy, who has 14 homers and 72 RBI in 129 games with Texas.

RHP David Pauley (Pawtucket): His stuff isn’t dominant, but Pauley could project as competent back-end starter. Quietly, he’s 11-2, 3.38 ERA in cozy McCoy Stadium.

OF/DH Chris Carter (Pawtucket): Two negatives are his defense and his age (25), but he can hit.

smcadam@projo.com