Dodgers exploring a deal for Aaron Harang
The Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Aaron Harang, according to multiple baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.
Harang, a 31-year-old right-hander, finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting in 2007 and tied for the league lead in wins in 2006 with 16. But Harang has won only six games in each of the last two seasons [update], losing a total of 31 games over that span.
Harang was 6-14 with a 4.21 earned-run average this year in a season that was cut short by an emergency appendectomy he underwent in August.
The Reds are asking for one or two players on the Dodgers' major league roster in return.
The Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded.
Harang is owed $12.5 million in 2010 and has a $12.75-million club option for 2011 with a $2-million buyout. If Harang is traded, the option would become a mutual option worth $14 million and the price of the buyout would increase to $2.5 million.
-- Dylan Hernandez
Photo: Aaron Harang. Credit: Al Behrman / Associated Press.
