Olney: Haren apparent

Dan Haren had quite a evening Tuesday: He allowed a run over seven innings, striking out nine and walking one, and picked up his seventh victory in Arizona's 6-2 win. He improved his chances for being named the starter in the NL All-Star Game, and he hit his first career homer.

It's all just part of an incredible season for Haren, who has surrendered only 15 walks against 113 strikeouts, a reflection of his evolution as a pitcher. "I just trust any pitch in any count," Haren wrote in an e-mail Tuesday night. "I don't throw 95 mph anymore, but I can throw a curveball or cutter 3-0. Not being afraid of contact is a big part of my game too. Roy Halladay is my favorite pitcher and I'd like to think I'm a poor man's version of him -- just subtract 2-3 mph." Haren, of course, started for the AL in the 2007 All-Star Game.

ESPN