Harang or Volquez on Opening Day?

[Hybrid]

Who gets the start on Opening Day, Harang or Volquez?

Personally, I think it will be Harang. Even after being down last year, he's still the ace of the staff and should get the nod on Opening Day. Volquez was great last year, but needs to come out and do it again. Plus, Harang could really use the confidence boost.

[Buckcheeks]

Cueto!

[Hybrid]

Cueto!

Doubt it.

[Buckcheeks]

Doubt it.

If they play the 'Stros, I hope it's true. =)

[Buckcheeks]

Actually it doesn't matter, cause no matter who they throw at the Astros, they'd get beat by Oswalt.

It's a guarantee everytime.

[DirtyKash]

If they play the 'Stros, I hope it's true. =)

Reds open up at home (as usual) against the New York Mets on Monday April 6 at 1:05 pm.

[Slyder]

Reds open up at home (as usual) against the New York Mets on Monday April 6 at 1:05 pm.

Hooray Opening Day watching Johan Santana dominate us... Throw Massett out and start the real season with Harang or Volquez starting Tuesday.

[DirtyKash]

The Reds don't play on Tuesday, but they do on Wednesday.

[missionhockey21]

I could see it going either way to be honest as both have a case to make. The "right" thing to do would be to give Harang the ball as his season did get a little duhsty last year as he is the vet and has earned it over the years. Volquez had a phenomenal season but did tail off in the second half, not that it affects my view of him but it might have been a different story if he finished as hot as he started as fans would be too psyched on him.

[Kiluckzle]

Harang. I think he'll bounce back this year plus you gotta give it to the veteran that you built your team around.

[catman]

Lets see how the guys look in spring training. Cueto could sneak up on people also. Right now, I think I'd go with Harang, simply because of experience. To ask a young guy like Cueto or Volquez to start opening day might be asking a bit much. They need to sit through a game to get the butterflies out.

[redsrbetter]

I think it is Harang simply because Dusty "respects" veterans. And it could go either way for me on who deserves it. But putting Harang on the hill on OD may keep the "ace" pressure off of Volquez and could boost Harang's confidence after a tough season. So, in the end, Harang is my guy.

[love_that_reefer]

I say Dusty needs to send a message and give the ball to Volquez. Dusty needs to show he is not all about veteran players anymore and the better performance gets rewarded. Harang was awful last year. It reminds me of the Giants giving Barry Zito the Opening Day nod after a horrific season.

[missionhockey21]

I say Dusty needs to send a message and give the ball to Volquez. Dusty needs to show he is not all about veteran players anymore and the better performance gets rewarded. Harang was awful last year. It reminds me of the Giants giving Barry Zito the Opening Day nod after a horrific season.

Harang was not awful, he was injured. He was right back to his old self over his last ten starts or so. Dusty wore him out with that San Diego appearance. I don't think Harang and Zito are really comparable. Harang has earned his spot through his continued improved performance. If he looks like his old self in spring training, I think it's still his spot.

[love_that_reefer]

Harang wasn't that good before he got hurt in July. In fact he wasn't good at all. Yes, the stint on the DL did him some good but overall, the season was awful. Harang wasn't injured the entire season. He gave up a lot of homeruns which was his biggest problem. But you're right, if he looks good in the spring then maybe but if Volquez looks good too, I say you have to give it to him.