Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Dan Haren Says He’s Physically, Mentally Ready For 2014

Dan HarenIn just five short days Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers will report to Camelback Ranch to signal the start of Spring Training. The 2014 season starts early for the Dodgers due to their Opening Series games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney, Australia on March 22-23.

While there are rumors GM Ned Colletti is still looking to add an arm to the rotation, he added veteran right-hander Dan Haren early in free agency. The LA native signed a one-year, $10 million contract with incentives that can give Haren a player option for 2015. Talking to Mark Saxson of ESPNLA, Haren discussed how he’s feeling prior to camp starting:



Mentally, I feel great. Who wouldn’t feel good joining a pitching staff like this and having a lineup of this caliber supporting me? Physically, I feel really good. I take a lot of pride in preparing body for the journey of the season. I’ve been durable my whole career because of it and, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve modified my workouts to make them as beneficial as I can.

Throughout his career, the 33-year-old starter has made at least 30 starts in every season and after a year on the east coast, he’s grateful for the opportunity to pitch so close to home. In his only season with the Washington Nationals, he went 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA, but rebounded with a strong second half, lowering his home run total and ERA.

As of now, Haren is slated to be the number four starter in the Dodgers rotation as he’ll be sure to eat up innings for a deep bullpen behind him. The Dodgers held Fan Fest at Dodger Stadium over the weekend and he received positive support from the hometown crowd.

The addition of Haren should help solidify the back end of the Dodgers rotation as it should be among the best in baseball in 2014.

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Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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