A’s Preview: Dallas Braden

The A’s Preview Series continues, as we take a look at Mr. Perfecto himself, Dallas Braden.

Last season, the A’s got a lot out of their starting rotation, and as a result, led the majors with 103 quality starts. Just a year before that, in 2009, the A’s registered just 64.

It’s safe to say that guys like Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Gio Gonzalez came into their own last year. In fact, Cahill and Gonzalez won a combined 33 games last year.

One guy who fails to get as much recognition, however, is the staff’s “veteran,” Dallas Braden. Braden, 27, went 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts last season.

Oh yeah, he also threw baseball’s 19th perfect game.

2010 was an interesting year for Braden, from his run-in with Alex Rodriguez of the evil New York Yankees to throwing his perfect game on Mother’s Day, the whole season seemed surreal.

While Braden’s record (11-14) is not impressive, he certainly held his own in the A’s young and talented rotation. He did after all, throw a perfect game. Braden’s perfect game, to me, was the number one highlight of the season for the A’s.

The A’s will enter the 2011 season with the same talented rotation, and Braden figures to be a big part of that staff. Braden is a quality arm, as seen by his seasonal progression. He’s gotten better after each season, and he should pitch well this season.

In 2007, Braden’s ERA was 6.72. In 2008, his ERA dropped to 4.14. It was lowered to 3.89 in 2009, and was even lower last season at 3.50. In his career, Braden owns a 25-35 record with a 4.20 ERA.

Don’t overlook this guy with only a “handful of wins,” because he could very well have a nice season in 2011.

PREDICTION:

W-L REC: 12-13

ERA: 3.57

***Again, these are only basic predictions, and should not be viewed as final projections. Check back after the conclusion of Spring Training for Swingin’ A’s Official 2011 Team Preview.