Spring Training Preview: Starting Pitching – Matt Harrison

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    Matt Harrison had a great season in 2011. A really great season. Matt has struggled to stay healthy and therefore to remain in the rotation in  the past (2008 -2009 he only started 26 games). He also had a pretty high ERA in his first 3 seasons with the Rangers (5.44). In 2011, however, he became a good pitcher. He was at the back end of the rotation and did not get as much attention as a Derek Holland or a C.J. Wilson, but if you look at his numbers compared to both those guys (C.J. – 16-7, 2.94 ERA, Derek Holland – 16-5, 3.95 ERA and Harrison – 14-9, 3.39 ERA) they are pretty compairable. I think Matt kind of plateaued last season, but if he repeats his performance from the 2011 season, he is going to be a great no. 4 starter. I think Matt could really have a breakout year with C.J. Wilson type of numbers from 2011, but I do not expect it from him. Like I said, if he repeats lats year. he will be great.

    So, what do I think you might ask? I think that Matt will win 12 games, have and ERA of 3.59, walk 50 and strikeout 150. If he can do that, the Rangers will be in good shape. Matt has a chance of going to the bull pen, depending on what kind of spring training Alexi Ogando has, but I feel it is a pretty safe bet that he will wind up as the 4th or 5th starter. Also. Matt had a 5.13 post season ERA last season, which is not as bad as it sounds. All in all, Matt is ready to break out. The question is, will he? I can’t wait to see! Come on spring training!

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