Is the Big Show About to Go?

It’s looking more evident that Aaron Harang will be traded at some point during the Spring. Harang has made it clear that he does not have any intention of pitching out of the Dodger bullpen. With a surplus of three starting pitchers, the Dodgers would likely need to work out a deal which would send Harang to a team who is in need of a starter but who also could send a useful player or two back in return.

Don Mattingly had this to say about the idea of Aaron Harang pitching as a reliever:

"“Aaron Harang doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that pitches out of the pen,” Mattingly told reporters. “To me he’s more of a guy that paints. He keeps you in the game. He’s just not that guy that’s going in and overpower you.”"

On Monday, Aaron Harang threw three innings in a Minor League game at Camelback Ranch with scouts from the Brewers and the Orioles looking on. Harang made 44 pitches for three scoreless innings as he was being showcased.

Aaron Harang, big and durable, will most likely find a new team this Spring. Photo: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Harang could be a solid back end inning eating starter for a team, and he would be relatively inexpensive for a team to take on. He is owed $5 million for 2013, and he has a $8 million option year for 2014 which includes a $2 million buyout.

The big right-hander was a reliable starter for the Dodgers last season going 10-10 with a 3.61 ERA in 179 2/3 innings of work. He also set a Dodger franchise record on April 13, 2012 by striking out 9 consecutive batters in a game versus his former Padres team. If we are to say adieu to Harang this Spring, we will always remember that Big Show he put on that April evening last season.

So far this Spring with the Dodgers on the Major League side, Harang is 1-0 with a 18.00 ERA in 2 innings and one start. He has struck out 1 batter and walked one.

None of the eight starting Dodger pitchers in camp have options. Once Spring Training concludes, the eight pitchers will be whittled down to five with the remaining hurlers sent to the bullpen or to another team if a deal is struck.