Harang gets the expected nod

[redsrbetter]

SARASOTA, Fla. — It isn't stop-the-presses news, or even front-page news, but in case there was one doubter out there — yes, Aaron Harang is the Opening Day pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

When Harang started Saturday's March 1 game against Pittsburgh, a wild, wind-blown 12-11 victory, it put him on perfect alignment to pitch Opening Day against Arizona, his third straight Opening Day assignment.

Even though he was 16-6 last season, following up on a 16-11 season, manager Dusty Baker thinks there are even better things stuffed in that 6-7, 275-pound body.

"Everybody can be better," said Baker. "I wasn't here to see him last year, but I saw him pitch against me (Chicago Cubs) and he throws strike one, keeps the ball down and minimizes pitches, which I like a lot. He rarely has high pitch counts deep in the game because he is a pitch conservationist. He doesn't go 0-2, then to 3-2 because he is picking."

Harang retired the first four Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at Ed Smith Stadium, then gave up a walk and two doubles for two runs in the second inning. Tons of runs later, after Pittsburgh scored four in the top of the ninth for a 11-10 lead, Scott Hatteberg blooped a game-ending single to left field.

As Baker says, Harang knows there is room for improvement, which is why he spent the winter working on his change-up, "And everybody seems to think it's better this year."

Even though it was his first competition against another team and Opening Day is nearly four weeks away, Harang still gets revved up over it.

"It's a big deal in Cincinnati, even though we don't get to be part of the parade and we're sort of behind the scenes, you can tell by the crowd, it's special."

As for his outing, Harang said, "After I put a runner on — as you know, walks kill you — the adrenaline started pumping, but I'm still getting the feel for things and trying to calm the heart rate down from being back out there. The heart pumps, even in spring training, when you get into key situations."

As expected. At least we know Baker will not be changing something this simple. Hopefully more good decisions are to come.

[HollywoodLeo]

I remember a couple years ago when Aaron Harrang was scheduled to start against the Padres in a game Mr D and I were going to and I was like "who?"

Nice to see the Reds develop a great starter for their rotation.

Due to them being Mr D's team I have a bit of a soft spot for the Reds when they're not playing the Padres.

[redsrbetter]

Thats good for you Leo, because the Reds are going to win it all this yer my man.

As for Harang, he is the quiet assassin. He quietly is at or near the top in the NL in Ks, innings, and wins year after year. Harang is simply the man.

I truly hope he stays healthy and remains the horse that we have become comfortable with these past few seasons.

[HollywoodLeo]

Harang will get his due

It was only a year or two ago when Padres fans all considered Peavy to be a "quiet assassin" of sorts. (although I don't think I've seen him described in those exact terms)

Any rate, the bottom line is that we all knew he was great, but it took an extra year or two for the rest of the baseball world to realize it.

[redsrbetter]

Yep Peavy has always been one of my favorites. He is elite talent though. Yet you never hear his name mentioned in the same sentence of Johan Santana. But he is just as good IMO. At least in the top 5 in all of baseball. I can't put Harang there quite yet.

[HollywoodLeo]

My top 5 includes Johan, Jake, and Harang.

[redsrbetter]

My kind of man. Those three are included in mine as well but I feel I may be a homer a bit on Harang even though he really is one of the best in baseball.