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by **Doughhead** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:34 pm

I'm sure that there must be a few posts on this guy, as he is an intriguing prospect in most fantasy leagues. However, I couldn't find anything up-to-date, so I thought I'd start a thread of my own. Forgive me if I am beating a dead horse.

With that said, what is everyone's opinion of this guy? I had him on my radar early on as a major breakout candidate, but began to pour cold water on that idea after he got thumped around by virtually everyone, en route to a dismal 1-7 start (perhaps most disturbing were his high walk totals which usually scare me off pretty fast). Nevertheless, he has now won his last 3 decisions and reportedly looked good doing it.

I am reminded of last year and how I had my sights on Mark Teixeira, but then forgot about him after his cold start. Someone else snagged him and...well, we all know how that one turned out. Could Haren be a similar (even if not quite as dramatic) turnaround candidate this year? In short, is he ready to step up to his talent now or will he be an inconsistent headache? I've got Beckett heading to the DL and am seriously thinking about taking a flyer on this kid. Thoughts?

by **beltrans_boy** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:43 pm

Haren's upside isn't nearly as high as Teixeira's was last year. I just picked Haren up in my 10-team money league. I think he's a good option from here on out. I wouldn't start him against any powerhouse teams (or teams that walk a lot), but for now, he's a safe bet.

by **Mercer Boy** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:51 pm

He's got two starts next week - Seattle and SF are struggling right now. That combined with the last two strong starts was enough for me...I added him to my weekly points league team. ;-D

by **colt4523** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:30 am

I picked him up to replace Wolf. He has some good matchups coming up so maybe he can keep his winning streak going.

by **bd3521** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:49 am

Mercer Boy wrote:He's got two starts next week - Seattle and SF are struggling right now. That combined with the last two strong starts was enough for me...I added him to my weekly points league team.

Good point ;-D

by **West** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 8:20 pm

We should also consider that the Haren's last three strong starts (where he appeared to be turning a corner) were against Tampa Bay twice, and the Mets. Not exactly the strongest offensive teams this season. That said, I believe Haren is a solid option in mixed leagues from here on out. As another poster mentioned, just don't start him against offensive powerhouses and teams that walk alot. Also, his inability to hold runners and Kendall's inability to throw them out is a worry, although lately they seem to be doing a better job at that.

by **tomkatt** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:23 am

I sure hope it's Haren time, as it's definetely not Bedard, Beckett, or Hudson time. !+)

I had to pick Haren and Harang up just so I'd have something resembling a pitching staff left. Not good.

by **RAmst23** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:19 am

tomkatt wrote:I sure hope it's Haren time, as it's definetely not Bedard, Beckett, or Hudson time.

I had to pick Haren and Harang up just so I'd have something resembling a pitching staff left. Not good.

Ouch!! But this is a great point, that Haren is probably a great pick-up for fantasy teams that need extra help b/c of pitching injuries (Like all of us!! Thanks For the injuries John Thompson, Erik Bedard, and Prior ;-D