A Look Back At 2012: Dan Haren

Dan Haren‘s 2012 was probably the most disapointing of his career if you asked him. It was the first time his record was under .500 since his rookie year of 2003.  He had his highest ERA since 2010. It was the first time in his career that he was on the DL.  It was the first time since 2004 he threw under 200 innings. It was only the third time in his career he gave up more hits than innings pitched. His 142 strikeouts were the fewest since 2005.  Now the Angels have a decision to make in whether or not to pick up his $15.5 million option for 2013 or give him the $3.5 million buyout and maybe try and bring him back at a reduced rate.

Sep 22, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Dan Haren (24) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE

Game of the Year: May 24 against the Mariners without question was his best performance. Haren threw a complete game shutout, giving up only four hits and striking out 14 and walking no one. The 14 were the most strikeouts he had in a game all season. The 126 pitches he threw were also the most all season.2013 Outlook: The first question is, will he be back? I can see it going either way. If I were running the Angels, I would probably pick up Haren’s option. I think Haren’s 2012 was a bit of an anomaly. I think Haren will come back to his former self and if they keep him and re-sign Zack Greinke, it makes their rotation one of the deepest in the game. Haren will turn 32 this year and with the lack of quality free agent arms and a lack of depth in the minor leagues, it’s probably in the team’s best interest to keep him.