Harang gets Opening Day nod for Reds

[el loco]

Harang gets Opening Day nod for Reds
Right-hander to tie team mark with fifth straight start

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Unlike the past few years, there was more discussion and more than a hint of doubt over who would be the Reds' Opening Day starter and ace of the rotation.

But in the end, it will be the same pitcher who had done it the previous four times -- Aaron Harang. The right-hander will face the Cardinals on April 5 at Great American Ball Park.

Although the choice to go with Harang is tried and true, it's not the conventional decision this time around. He is coming off of back-to-back six-win seasons, while Bronson Arroyo has won 15 games each of the past two years.

"I know it probably won't be a popular decision," manager Dusty Baker said on Wednesday. "But talking to both of them, Harang seems to pitch better against top pitchers. After Day 1, it doesn't matter anyway."

Harang's fifth straight Opening Day assignment would tie the club record for most consecutive first-game starts held by Pete Donohue (1923-27) and Mario Soto, who did it from 1982-86. Soto holds the overall club record of six Opening Day starts.

Opening Day is considered sacred to Reds fans because of the club's lengthy tradition. Cincinnati is the oldest professional franchise in baseball, and that status has given it the privilege of getting to open at home with a day game each season.


the rest of the story:
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/art ... p&c_id=cin

[el loco]

Harang couldn't carry Soto's jock. Arroyo earned it, Harang hasn't earned anything including his contract.

[dlbcommish]

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