Fantasy Baseball

BY ADAM RONIS

On most occasions, when a pitcher switches from the American Legaue to the National League, it's a good thing. But that's not always the case and sometimes people automatically pencil in better numbers in these situations. Remember Barry Zito?

Well, Dan Haren is the guy this year. Haren is a good pitcher, but lets not get crazy. Arizona is a good ballpark to hit in and the Diamondbacks aren't exactly a powerhouse offense. They did get outscored last season. Haren has been durable starting 34 games in three consecutive seasons. He surrenders a lot of hits, but doesn't walk many. He went 15-9 with a 192/55 K/BB ratio with a 3.07 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.

Haren wasn't good after the All-Star break, going 5-6 with a 4.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and .298 average against. In every draft I have been in, he goes before Harang, which I totally disagree with.

Lets look at Harang, who has started at least 28 games in four consecutive seasons. Last season he started 34 games, went 16-6 threw 231 2/3 innings, allowed 213 hits, walked 52 and struck out 218 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.14 WHIP and had a .242 BAA. He did this in a hitters' paradise. Harang actually got stronger in the second half with a 106/17 K/BB ratio in 104 innings.

I'll take Harang before Haren.