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Aaron Harang hates Shairon Martis. I have no actual evidence to back this up, but I have a very strong suspicion that it is true. Why, you ask? Because despite having a 5.31 ERA and walking as many batters as he has struck out, Martis has a 5-1 record on a team that is 15-41. Talk about a lucky sumbitch.
Actually, Martis hasn't pitched as poorly as his 5.31 ERA would indicate. He's only given up more than 3 runs in 4 of his 11 starts this season. It looks like Manny Acta has had a fairly quick hook with him as the 22-year old has only thrown over 90 pitches in 4 games this year. Even with that quick hook, he's still averaging 5.2 innings a start, not bad for a kid his age. As you'd expect this will be the first time the Reds have faced Martis. That always turns out well.
Harang calmed some fears about his handling during the long rain delay a couple of weeks ago with an 8-inning complete game against the Cardinals in his last start. He's been a bit too hittable so far this year, which is surprising given the improvement in defense the Reds have seen. Then again, the defensive efficiency in his starts is the 2nd lowest in the NL. That combined with his lack or run support makes me think the other Reds players really don't like Harang. I can't wait until he's traded so everybody can act like they hated him all along!
Speaking of lack of run support, the offense is now batting a dandy .214/.295/.313 in June. They have 7 sacrifice hits and only 5 home runs during the month, which is how they've been able to go 4-4 so far, obviously. The only players with an OPS over .800 for the month are Laynce Nix and Brandon Phillips. On the other hand, there are 4 players with at least 20 PA and an OPS of .515 or lower. Help us, Joey-wan Votto-bi! You're our only hope.
Well, playing the Natinals should help too.