One-year $13 million contract with Dan Haren made official by Washington Nationals-MLB Update
Washington Nationals have officially announced their one-year $13 million contract with starting pitcher, Dan Haren.
Haren will be filling a vacant spot in the rotation of the club.
Joining such a competitive pitching staff of the Nationals is nothing short of a challenge for Haren. Being at-par with the likes of Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez will not be easy.
Even tougher for him will be living up to the reputation of the Nationals in the National League East. Known as the club which possesses one of the most powerful arms in the Major League, Haren will look to uphold this notion.
Haren has been kept for only season, which suggests the Nationals have the plan of introducing Minor Leaguers down the line.
Instead of signing someone for a couple of years, they have agreed to just one season so that by the time Haren leaves, one of their prospects replaces him.
The multi-year contract with Haren will have restricted some of the ready to be Major Leaguers of the Nationals to mark their debut.
Another factor that might have motivated Washington to acquire Haren is his experience. Taking someone along who can absorb the pressure during the playoffs is a great move by the Nationals.
In the last season, even the best pitchers of the club struggled during the post-season, because of the pressure of high profile matches.
Haren is confident that he can meet the expectations and give his best during the next season.
“In regards to my health, I know it was a question for a lot of people,” Haren said. “If it makes you feel any better, there were lots of teams that were interested in my services. I think I have a lot to prove this year. … I’m 100 percent confident I’ll
be healthy this year.”
Spring Training will be a platform where he can fine-tune his skills and fix some of the issues with his throws. He can do some experiments there and develop variety in his pitches.
It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the new environment and settles down there. The Nationals fans will be excited about their new pitcher in the rotation.
They will be looking to see him making a decisive contribution in the upcoming season.
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