Aaron Harang's Complete Game Defines Reds Season

In Harang's last start of the year, he shut down the Pirates for his 6th complete game of the year (Tied with CC Sabathia for most in the Majors). The Reds have not had more than 6 complete games as an entire team since 2000. While this points towards the development and durability of Harang, it also identifies what's wrong with the club. "Harang's feat is a convergence of his own stamina, a manager willing to let him go that long, and the lack of a solid bullpen or closer. If there were someone in the bullpen compiling 30-40 saves, then Harang might have completed half that many, but with no one better to bring in than David Weathers and Scott Schoenweis, Harang in the 8th and 9th was often the best choice." Even after trading multiple position players for bullpen help, a decent starter, not a great one was still the best choice late in games.