Dallas Braden joined catfish hunter in throwing only the second perfect game in A's history last year on Mother's Day. He's moved past that and is looking forward to bringing some leadership to this young A's staff in 2011.
"I've been thru something's that they're going to encounter, and I'm comfortable enough for them to be able to come up and talk to me. That's high praise from them to me, and I welcome it," he said.
"Dallas is our leader and almost our big brother. So we look up to him and follow right behind him," A's pitcher Gio Gonzalez said.
Dallas was 11-14 last season with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts, throwing five complete games. He claims health is his first priority this season and improving his game.
"It's basically to continue to evolve, change the book on yourself. The game quickly adapts and catches up to you, so it's up to you to evolve around the game," he said.
Dallas is recreating the odd couple -- rooming with Giants closer Brian Wilson during spring training.
"He is a weirdo, I am a weirdo. That's when nobody looks at each other and says, 'wow, that's was awkward. That doesn't happen because every moment is awkward," he said.
