Aaron Harang may have made his last start as a member of the Reds today, writes MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The big righty had his outing cut short by a blister, and probably will not make the postseason roster. The Reds are certain to choose Harang's $2MM buyout over his $12.75MM club option for 2011. His best years were 2005-07, when the workhorse tossed 677.6 innings of 3.77 ball. Let's assess his situation.
The Pros
- Even as he started to slip in recent years, Harang's peripherals remained respectable. He's prone to hits and homers, but at least he gets strikeouts and limits walks typically.
- He's highly likely to sign a one-year deal.
- Harang will not cost a draft pick to sign. In fact, he's below a Type B.
The Cons
- He's always been a flyball pitcher. He's also so hittable that many of his frequent home runs allowed will come with runners on base.
- This year Harang's strikeout rate was his lowest since '03, while his walk rate was his highest since '04.
- Harang hasn't reached 200 innings since '07, as he's dealt with forearm and back injuries as well as an appendectomy.
The Verdict
Harang needs a big ballpark, and could join the long list of free agents hoping to rebuild value in San Diego. He could be looking at a base salary in the $3-4MM range for 2011.
Mets 1 yr $4MM.
Kind of a shame to see a once dominant pitcher like Harang fall like this. The guy had a serious chance for the Cy Young in 2006.
The Reds did a nice thing today by giving him a chance to leave 2010, and probably his Reds career, on a positive note. However, Harang’s best days are far in the past and while me will never reclaim his level of K’s, W’s and innings, he could serve a PIT, KC, or other small market team needing some veteran leadership and innings-filler. Comerica would be a good park for him. If Yosemite was a ballpark, Harang would be an ace again… maybe ;-)
Mariners, Marlins, Indians, Mets, KC, could probably all take a chance on him.
NOBODY NEEDS HIM trust me im a cincy fan and if u follow him. just trus me u dont want him
Have an era of 5 over the past 3 years…. $4 million.
If the Mets don’t pull off a trade for a starter I could seem them possibly either going after him or Javier Vazquez to fill the rotation out which wouldn’t be a bad thing I think they’d be able to pitch well at Citi Field since its a pitchers park with room (did wonders for our starters this year).
I really do feel for Harang. He used to be my favorite Cincinnati Reds player, but no one can or should be blamed, but himself, for his demise. His problem has been control and consistency, and as a 6’8″ pitcher who throws down the middle of the plate, it’s no wonder he’s been a fly ball type of pitcher. If he could only keep the ball down, he may have had a bit more success over the span of the last 3 years.
Harang has been a favorite of mine too the past few years have been tough for me cause the guy is a class act. He seemed so strong in 05 and 06. sigh I guess all pitchers run out of gas eventually. Some sooner than others.