In his first start for the Oakland A's, pitcher Sean Gallagher answered a lot of doubters who criticized the trade that sent pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Chicago Cubs.  Even me.

I criticized Billy Beane this week for making a trade that was too good for the Cubs and not good enough for the A's.

But Gallagher was more than good enough for the A's against the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, as he struck out seven in seven innings and held the Angels to two runs.

Gallagher showed good pace, location and movement on his fastball, a sharp curveball and mixed in an effective change up as he kept Angels hitters off balance through his outing. 

Matt Murton also contributed with a two-run single for the A's in the six-run third inning.  But surprisingly to me, it was Murton's defense that stood out.

He made a good running catch across his body as he leapt into the outfield wall and another solid catch going toward center field that he made look a little harder than it probably was.  Cubs fans panned Murton's defense in articles earlier this week.

One game won't determine who got the better of the Harden trade, but Gallagher's and Murton's performances have to be heartening for doubting A's fans, especially in light of Chad Gaudin's first pitch as a Cub, which Reds catcher Dave Ross sent over the fence.

Rich Harden makes his Cubs debut tomorrow against the San Francisco Giants.

If Gallagher and Murton can continue to contribute consistently for the A's, I just might develop a taste for Beane Kool-Aid after all.  I've heard it goes well with crow.