He left a lot. He left 25 pounds and he left memories of a 17-loss 2008 season.

And he was given startlingly good news from the mouth of manager Dusty Baker: "If the season started tomorrow, Aaron Harang is the Opening Day pitcher."

That, of course, is if Harang doesn't meet with the unnatural disaster of a sore arm, shoulder, back or kneecap.

It would be Harang's fourth straight Opening Day start for the Reds, this time April 6 against the New York Mets.

"If he stays healthy, of course," said Baker. "He has pitched the last three Opening Days and why should I let one down year spoil what he accomplished the previous three?

"And it should help him confidence-wise."

Of his weight loss - from 280 to 255, Harang said, "I lost about 10 pounds right after the season, then decided to keep going - workouts, change of diet, less eating out, smaller portions."

Of his 6-17 season, Harang said, "Not only did I flush away 25 pounds, I flushed the memories of last year right with them right down the toilet as soon as the season was over. I've not even looked back over my shoulder.

"Losing the weight might keep me more durable," said one of the game's more durable pitchers, a guy who has averaged nearly 216 innings and 33 starts over the last four seasons.

"Maybe this will add 15 to 20 innings," he said. "Maybe me and Bronson Arroyo can pitch 240 innings. Maybe Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto can pitch 220. Maybe whoever is the No. 5 starter can pitch 200.

"That would be great for the starting staff and even greater for the bullpen," he said.