Dodger Sign Aaron Harang

Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images North America

According to MLBTradeRumors.com (via MLB Network's Jon Heyman), the Dodgers have signed pitcher Aaron Harang to two-year deal worth roughly $12 million.


 From MLBTR.com:

Harang, 33, enjoyed a nice rebound campaign with his hometown Padres in 2011. The former Reds ace notched 170 2/3 innings, his highest total since 2008, while posting a solid ERA of 3.64, striking out 6.5 per nine, and walking 3.1 per nine.

FIP and SIERA marks of 4.17 and 4.25, respectively suggest that Harang, a flyball pitcher (41%) was likely aided somewhat by moving from Great American Ballpark to the spacious confines of Petco Park. His new home park, Dodger Stadium, also has a history of limiting the long ball, though not as much as Petco.

I don't have a huge problem with this signing. His numbers aren't bad, although he did pitch at PetCo. I think Harang is fine as a fifth starter, and he should pitch well at Dodger Stadium. I just would've preferred Hiroki Kuroda over Harang and Chris Capuano.


The rotation is set now:
1. Clayton Kershaw
2. Chad Billingsley
3. Ted Lilly
4. Chris Capuano
5. Aaron Harang


It's one big Ace at the top of the rotation and four #5-types. And yes, Chad Billingsley is a number-five-type  of pitcher. At least Kuroda would have been a solid #2.