When the Phillies signed veteran pitcher Aaron Harang in the offseason, the Phillies were not expecting to have a long-term Phillie. Having turned 37 years old yesterday, Harang is in the twilight of his Major League career. But that's okay; Harang fits the bill of someone that a rebuilding team like the Phillies can use: Harang will pitch innings, and then hopefully the Phillies can flip him for a young player in a trade.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that the trade discussion has already begun:
Aaron Harang, RHP, Phillies — We’ve mentioned Harang as another possible fit for a contending team. According to a major league source, inquiries on him have picked up and teams are scouting him as a possible solution. Obviously not an ace, but he fits the back end of a lot of rotations. “He gives you a steady, dependable performance, “ said one NL scout. “You don’t give up a lot for him, but if you can get him for a second-level prospect, you do it.”
Sometimes those second-level prospects work out. The more of those that the Phillies can pick up, the better.
Harang pitched seven innings last night, allowing just two earned runs. Harang took the loss, but it was another impressive start for Harang. After seven starts, Harang is just 3-3, but has an ERA of 2.38.
