By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
SARASOTA, Fla. -- All signs are favorably pointing towards Aaron Harang being the Reds' Opening Day starting pitcher.
Harang was Cincinnati's most consistent starter in 2005, going 11-13 with a 3.83 ERA in 32 starts. He was the lone member of the rotation to surpass 200 innings, working 211 2/3 frames.
Reds manager Jerry Narron declined to make any confirmations, but he certainly hinted about which way he was leaning.
"Aaron Harang definitely deserves a chance at it, but we'll see what happens," Narron said.
Tentatively, Harang's first exhibition start will be March 4 against the Yankees at Tampa. If given the expected four days rest between starts all month, it would put the right-hander perfectly in line to pitch the April 3 regular-season opener against the Cubs at Great American Ball Park.
Keenly aware of Cincinnati's lengthy baseball tradition and the attention the first game usually generates from the fans, Harang was prepared for the assignment.