Aug 5th 2008 7:45PM by Will Brinson (author feed)
The Arizona Diamondbacks, with Carlos Quentin excepted, have shown a pretty strong proclivity towards cultivating long term talent. Now, Dan Haren, of course, came over via trade, but the Snakes are at least making a strong effort to make sure he hangs around. At least through 2012 anyway, as he agreed to an extension that was announced today.
The Diamondbacks and right-hander Dan Haren have agreed to a $44.75 million contract extension that runs through 2012 and includes a club option for 2013, a deal that will be announced today at a 3 p.m. news conference at Chase Field.

The contract, which nullifies Haren’s previous deal, is worth $41.25 million over the next four seasons and includes a $15.5 million option for 2013 with a $3.5 million buyout.

Haren will be paid $7.5 million in 2009, $8.25 million in ‘10, $12.75 million in ‘11 and $12.75 million in ‘12.
That’s a pretty stout deal, but Haren’s been a pretty stout pitcher this year. And some might say that 12.75 for a 31 and 32 year old pitcher is way too much to pay immediately on the backend, but I’m not one of those people. Probably because I’m unapologetically a Haren backer (see: 2008 MLB predictions I’m not linking to right now).

Point is the Snakes, once they lock up Brandon Webb as well, have a ridiculous 1-2 punch for the next five years.