Reds named Aaron Harang Opening Day Starter

[missionhockey21]

What I expected. I am glad that this decision is okay with Arroyo, preferred even. It was going to be down between him and Harang, and luckily both are happy by this move.

I also like setting the rotation up before we even begin ST games, outside of the mystery 5th starter.

Harang will start Opening Day (update with reaction)
Posted by jfay March 3rd, 2010, 10:19 am

After all the talk and deliberation, Aaron Harang will start Opening Day after all.

Dusty Baker and Bryan Price reached the decision after talking to Harang and Bronson Arroyo. The rotation will be Harang, Johnny Cueto, Arroyo, Homer Bailey and the fifth starter.

“I know it’s not a popular decision,” Baker said.

The decision was not an easy one.

“Me and Bryan sat down and talked and we wrestled with it big time,” Baker said. “I talked to Arroyo and Harang. Some of the mannerisms and things I came away with is that Harang is No. 1 for what we need, confidence wise. He’s throwing the ball great.”

Arroyo did not want to start Opening Day.

“Nobody’s more honest than Bronson,” Baker said. “It might not be what you want to hear but he won’t give you bull. I love that.”

Harang, on the other hand, likes the job. “He pitches his best against No. 1s,” Baker said.

It will be Harang’s fifth straight start on Opening Day. Pete Donuhue and Mario only other Reds to start five in a row. Donohue started 1923 through 1927, Soto 1982 through 1986. Soto’s six Opening Day start are the most of anyone.

Harang made it clear he wanted the start.

“I went in and told Bake: I want the ball. If you’re giving it to anybody, I want it. We talked about it. Everybody talks about matchups. After the first week of the season matchups don’t mean anything. Rotations get changed up all the time.”

When Baker wavered on naming Harang the Opening Day starter at the beginning of camp, Arroyo made it clear he didn’t want the start.

“Dusty said he read the article where I said if I had my choice I’d rather not start the opener,” Arroyo said. “I told him it was true. But I throw whenever you me to. Whatever is best for the team.”

Arroyo is not doing that merely out of personal preference.

“I honestly thing Aaron is better equipped to make the start,” Arroyo said. “He’s going to be 90 to 92 with his slider, even when he’s off. My bad days tend to be really bad.”

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[DirtyKash]

Aaron Harang on Opening Days:

2006: 5 innings, 9 hits, 9 runs, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts (Loss)
2007: 7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts (Win)
2008: 6 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts (Loss)
2009: 5 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts (Loss)
2010: ?

Not too terrible. But it is what it is.

[Kingdom]

He'll go 6 with 3 walks and 3 ks.

I think he could use a good opening day to rebound. Coincidentally, his best year came in 2007, and that was also his best opening day start.

[redsrbetter]

I really like how this is the first I heard about this all day. Man I have been out of the baseball mindset this entire day. Too much television to catch up with. Watching 24 seasons from beginning to end has got me behind on a lot of other stuff.

Anyways, this is pretty good news IMO. I was not sure if Baker was going to go with someone else or not, but I was afraid that it would effect the culture if he did. I am so happy to see Bronson step up and make his stance clear. I am a little surprised to see Cueto as the number 2. I think that it makes a statment that the Reds are commited to his becoming what we all hope he can.

As far as a prediction goes; I say Harang goes:
6.1 IP, 3 Ks, 5H, 1 BB, 3 ER.

[redsrbetter]

Harang interview courtesy of C Trent...