Hairston Back Harang Back on Track

Jerry Hairston Jr. reported to camp from the Mexican WBC team.

"It looks like he's lost 10-15 pounds," manager Dusty Baker said.

Hairston had a virul infection and Baker insisted he stay away from the team until Friday or until healthy again. Baker was taking precautions that that the flu would not infect the rest of the players.

Still Norris Hopper missed his third day with bronchitis and Brandon Phillips was sent home Saturday with flu-like symptoms.

"We will work Hairston out the next couple of days," Baker said. "We need to work him out in the outfield some and at shortstop in case Gonzo can't go."

Aaron Harang has been beaten and battered this spring. There are two schools of thought about the meaning of spring training results. When a veteran pitcher struggles, he gets a pass because he has done the job before. The other is that spring training results are important but more so for a Homer Bailey and Micah Owings, who are competing for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Two years ago when Harang had an awful spring, he led the team with 16 wins during the regular season. Last spring he was effective in Florida but suffered through a 17-loss season.

One of his problems early last year was an acute lack of run support.

On Sunday Harang was given five runs to work with against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Ian Snell. He seemed to like it, cruising through the Bucs lineup. Harang has allowed 11 runs in 13 2/3 Grapefruit League innings.

Harang out hit the Pirates in his six innings. He allowed no hits and just two walks.

"I was working on my change up and slider. I was throwing it in counts that I don't usually throw them in. I kept it down and kept them off balance. It feels good to know that I can use them in any count," Harang said.

"He was sharp. That was as good an outing as I've seen in awhile," Baker said. "It feels good to win one. Harang threw some great breaking balls."

The Reds stopped a seven game losing streak with a 6-0 win.

Johnny Gomes hit his fourth home run off Ian Snell.

Harang has already been named the Opening Day starter for the fourth straight year. He is the first to start four straight seasons on the mound since, 1992-95 when Jose Rijo did it.