Colorado Rockies trade for Aaron Harang; why won’t they hang onto him?

Incase you missed it earlier, the Rockies picked up Aaron Harang in return for Ramon Hernandez. I was a big fan of the deal, until I found out that the Rockies are not planning on keeping Harang.

Why would they not?

July 20, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Aaron Harang (44) throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s get this straight: the Rockies starting pitching is really bad. I like a couple guys, but the rest wouldn’t make it on other MLB rosters. When your team is lacking in something, and you find a conclusion for it, why blow that whole thing up? The offense is fine. Troy Tulowitzki. Carlos Gonzalez. Dexter Fowler. Michael Cuddyer. Wilin Rosario. And others. That lineup isn’t amazing, but it’s enough to manage a decent team in a launching pad of a ballpark. The starting pitching sucks. They found a piece to improve the team, and are planning on trading/releasing him right away.

What would they be looking for in return? As I mentioned, the offense is fine. A different third basemen would be nice, but that’s about all they need on offense. The rotation includes Juan Nicasio and Jeff Francis, and the rest of the guys are average. Harang really helps out there. He’s not too great, but will definitely help the rotation out.

This is all just rumors, but Ken Rosenthal, who is usually a pretty reliable source, was the one who said the Rockies may look to deal Harang. He could be wrong, but most of the time he’s right.

I’m anxiously waiting to see what is decided, and if Harang is actually going to be used just as trade-bait. The starting pitching is what they are in need of, so it wouldn’t make much sense to me to trade away the starting pitcher you just traded for.