Padres Would Be Wise To Call On Aaron Harang

In case you have been in a cave or a coma over the last few weeks, we have seen the Dodgers throw money around like the Monopoly guy. They have spent a ridiculous amount of money on players and they are in contract talks to sign Babe Ruth and Cap Anson to big contracts.(Who cares if they are dead).

Okay, so I made that last little tidbit up, but suffice to say, the Dodgers are loaded. Hopefully their abundance of starting pitching can help the Padres bring back a familiar face in San Diego native Aaron Harang.

Oct.1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Aaron Harang (44) pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

As you remember, Harang pitched for the Padres in 2011 and had a very solid season, winning 14 games for the Padres. They declined his option for ’12 and he signed a 2-year deal with Los Angeles. Harang posted similar results for the Dodgers, posting a 3.61 ERA in 31 starts.

Am I calling Harang the answer to our prayers? That undisputed ace that we know that will lead the Padres staff. Of course not. In the words of Balki Bartkomous: “Don’t be ridiculous!” (Bonus points if you get that reference).

However, their are no aces available. Anibal Sanchez seems too pricey and the other options do not sound too scintillating. Harang’s contract will not be a major obstacle and he should not cost much more than a mid-level prospect at this point. Harang is due to make $7 million in 2013 and has a mutual option for 2014, that could be worth as much as $8 million.

Harang would fit into the rotation nicely and should give the Padres 175 innings of sub-4.00 ERA pitching. Sure, it’s not sexy, but he would be a solid veteran for the Padres. What do you think the Padres should do. Yell at me in the comments.