The third installment of my looking back series is going to focus on a player that is enjoying his best year in the Majors this year, Aaron Harang.

Harang is a little different than the first two players that I focused on, because he was not drafted by Oakland.  However, he was traded just a year after being signed to his first contract. 

Harang was drafted by Boston in the amateur draft of 1996 in the 22^nd round.  He did not sign and went off to San Diego State for three years.  In the amateur draft of 1999, the Texas Rangers used a 6^th round pick on him.  In November of 2000, Oakland sent infielder, Randy Velarde to Texas for Harang and Ryan Cullens.

The 2001 season was spent in the minors fine-tuning his skills and was used sparingly in the 2002 season.  He compiled a 5 - 4 record with a 4.83 ERA, while striking out 64 in 78 innings of work.  In 2003 Oakland was in need of offensive help for the second half push towards the playoffs and they sent Harang, Joe (not Jose) Valentine, and Jeff Bruksch to Cincinnati for Jose Guillen.  That season was pretty much lost as Harang never got it going.

The 2004 season was much better for the young right-hander.  A record of 10-9 with an ERA of 4.86 in 28 starts is what he ended up with.  That put him second on the team in wins, one behind team leader Paul Wilson.  The 2005 season was bittersweet for Harang as he went 11-13, but lowered his ERA down to 3.83.  That is more than one run for those of us that are slow at math!  He led the team in wins that season as well, but was second in losses.

In 2006, Harang made his presence felt around the league.  He managed to strikeout 216 batters in 234 innings of work, while going 16-11.  At the age of 28, Harang was going into his prime as one of the best pitchers in the National League.

So far in 2007, he is 12-3 with a 3.50 ERA.  With 153 strikeouts in 167 innings, Harang is well on his way to another 200 strikeout season.  He has missed a few games due to injury and being on the bereavement list this season, but has pitched very well when on the mound. 

The potential that Oakland saw in him in the 2000 season is now being showcased.  Had he been on a better team in his early years, he could possibly be putting together his fourth consecutive 15 win season.  As it is, he is shooting for his second in a row.

I know waiting on a pitcher to fully maximize their potential isn't ideal for most teams, but Oakland had the dominant pitchers to help Harang along the way and they could have waited on him to develop.