I, Aaron Harang, resolve to get more run support in 2010.
Harang received the worst run support in baseball last year as the Reds only scored an average of 3.2 runs per nine innings while he was on the mound. Basically, the Reds’ offense hit opposing starters like they were facing Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia every time out.
Here’s the list of pitchers who received the lowest run support in 2009:
| Lowest Run Support (minimum 162 IP) |
| | | | Run Support | Runs Allowed |
| Player | Team | Innings | Per Nine Innings | Per Nine Innings |
| Aaron Harang | Reds | 162.3 | 3.22 | 4.55 |
| Barry Zito | Giants | 192.0 | 3.38 | 4.17 |
| Matt Garza | Rays | 203.0 | 3.68 | 4.12 |
| Clayton Kershaw | Dodgers | 171.0 | 3.68 | 2.89 |
| Jonathan Sanchez | Giants | 163.3 | 3.69 | 4.52 |
Harang’s record was 6-14, thanks in large part to an offense featuring Willy Taveras, Jerry Hairston, Paul Janish, and Alex Gonzalez. With persistent rumors about a trade to a contending team, Harang's resolution is likely to come true in 2010. But even if he stays with the Reds, his run support should improve anyway. While the Reds' team scoring rate of 4.13 runs per nine innings is poor, it is still well above the 3.22 runs they averaged for Harang.
Barry Zito pitched well for the Giants despite his 10-13 record. The Giants were 18-15 overall in Zito's starts, and the former Cy Young Award winner allowed just 4.17 runs per nine innings. Matt Garza (8-12 record) received the lowest run support in the American League at just under 3.7 runs per nine innings despite pitching for one of the league’s stronger offenses.