Arizona Diamondbacks: Haren Gets Opening Day Nod Over Webb

With staff aces Brandon Webb and Dan Haren making their way to Tucson on Interstate 10, Arizona Diamondbacks manager AJ Hinch held his first press conference of the spring. In his remarks he described his philosophy going into his first camp, and answered never-ending questions of his comfort level in the managerial position.

Most of these press conferences are high on the fluff scale and could fill out your baseball cliché Bingo cards as managers bring about such "oldies and goldies" like, “it’s a long season,” or “we’ll take it one game at a time.”

Sometimes the manager issues a statement that will make you stop and take notice. During today’s press conference, Hinch decided to name his Opening Day starter—an honor that has gone to Brandon Webb for the past four years.

Unfortunately, Webb's 2009 Opening Day start was both his first and last of the season. He lasted four innings, and set the stage for what would become a very long season in the Arizona desert.

Webb attempted to come back from injury several times last year before finally succumbing to season-ending shoulder surgery on his throwing arm. His post-operative rehabilitation has kept fans, coaches, and the media on the edge of their seats wondering if Webb can regain his dominating status.

Over the past several weeks, we've heard glowing reports from both Webb and the Diamondbacks of how well rehab is going and that he'll be ready by the start of the season. So when Hinch announced Dan Haren as the Opening Day starter, it turned a few heads.

The Opening Day start is more pomp and circumstance than anything. It's usually awarded as much on history as it is on confidence and abilities. Once Opening Day is over, the starters of that game rarely match up with other clubs' No. 1 starters throughout the season.

Over a 162-game schedule with staggered days off, it's often difficult to ascertain who the No. 1, 2, or 3 starters even are. For many pitchers however, getting the Opening Day start is a sign of the front office and coaching staff's confidence in their abilities.

When explaining the decision, Hinch spoke of how Haren got the nod based upon his 2009 season, and that it was a reward for carrying the team while Webb was out.

Hinch went on to say that he also wants to give Webb additional time to prepare for the season, relieving any pressure in case there's a setback in his recovery. For Diamondback fans, it was also a reminder of how quickly our hopes and dreams may disappear if Webb does not return to form.

The Diamondbacks are also considering Edwin Jackson for game two, and slotting Webb in the third rotation spot—another move giving Webb more time to recover.

Some pitchers may see being moved from Opening Day starter to the third rotation spot as a demotion, and Webb’s current relationship with the Diamondbacks already seems strained at best.

Entering the last year of his contract, Webb seems set on testing the free agent market after this season. If so, Arizona will unlikely be able to afford the pitcher. After the team pulled an extension during the 2008 season because of concerns about his shoulder, it seems that Webb will unlikely be willing to give them a hometown discount.

So as Spring Training begins, this backstory could become a distraction during the year if Hinch and Webb are not careful. Then again, what would Spring Training be without some actual, or imagined drama?