Half-Full or Half-Empty: Half-Full: More Dan Haren News (Rumors?)

From the Akron Beacon Journal:

"Making a deal for Dan Haren, on the other hand, would give the Indians arguably the best rotation in the AL. So if Shapiro can't acquire a hitter to outslug the Tigers, maybe he can trade for a starting pitcher who can slow down the Tigers' offense."

---I couldn't agree more. Hopefully, this wouldn't give ownership an excuse not to resign C.C.. But first things first.

"The Indians could control Haren for at least the next three years at a total cost of $16.25 million, which includes a $6.75 million option for 2010 that can become guaranteed if he pitches a specified number of innings."

---This would seem to suggest, that it would not impact a C.C. resigning as these numbers are more than affordable.

Here is the entire article.

From Hoynes and The Plain Dealer:

"But Shapiro, confident he has a contender should the season open today, has the freedom to explore options he might normally ignore. It's the reason he's talked to Oakland GM Billy Beane about a trade for right-hander Dan Haren, who started last season's All-Star Game ahead of Sabathia. It's the same reason Shapiro has asked about Joe Blanton, Haren's teammate, and Baltimore right-hander Erik Bedard."

---It is good to see that he has in fact talked to some owners about this and not only that, that it seems to be his plan of attack to pursue a quality starter, even if it is not Haren.

"The Indians figure it will cost at least one player off their 25-man roster and at least one more that could contribute sometime during the season. The competition for Haren would be strong. The Yankees, Dodgers and Arizona are believed to have the inside track."

---Urrrrrrgggggg! Anyone else tired of hearing that other teams have the inside track!? Talk about a recurring them.

Here is the entire article.

From Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com:

"The Indians' advantage is that they can offer superior major-league ready pitching, including righty Adam Miller, who projects as either a top-of-the-rotation starter or closer, and lefty Aaron Laffey, a sinker-baller who could develop into another Mark Buehrle."

---Wow! Laffey is being likened to Mark Buehrle. I sure hope he can talk the A's into that one. I like him and all as a back of the rotation guy, but Buehrle? Go Ken!

"Haren, the starting pitcher for the American League in the 2007 All-Star Game, could form a potent trio with C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona in Cleveland — and protect the Indians against the loss of Sabathia as a free agent at the end of the season."

---Ouch....there's that who protection against the loss of C.C. thing. Say it ain't so Mark!

Here is the entire article.

A Brief Look at Haren's Numbers:

Highlights: