Dallas Braden: RODRIGUEZ WAS ALWAYS ON MY MOUND

The Oakland Athletics owe Alex Rodriguez a thank you.

Fact is no one cared about the A's in the last decade.

Only air-time featured Jose Canseco, who cemented the organization as the juicing confederation of baseball. Canseco disgraced America's past-time, in an Oakland uniform and Giambi played there too.

Who knew the moment that Arod ran across the pitcher's mound, would be the A's start to headlining Sportscenter.

At first, it was purely for the crazy behavior by the team's starting pitcher, who obvious anger over Arod's path back to the dugout was ridiculous.

No one has asked this player, why he did not deal with Arod right than and there, in his own house

Now that same pitcher, Dallas Braden threw a perfect game today.

Arod certainly has something to observe now, and might second guess crossing Braden's hill ever again.

No doubt, it is a tremendous achievement for Braden, as it has only happened 18 times in MLB history. Also, Braden's name is on one of the few MLB lists Arod will not be making.

It also happened against the mighty Tampa Bay Rays, who have the best record in baseball.

Still, remains the question that without Arod, would Braden been as motivated?

My answer is it's debatable, because Braden is no Freak or Halladay. In his four years in the majors he has 17 wins and 23 losses with a 4.62 ERA, which is a whole lotta of nothing.

Let's get real here for a second.

Honestly, Braden was bordering mental institution antics before tonight.

Dallas Braden needs to win at least two Cy Young awards, a World Series ring and throw another perfect game in the post-season to sit at the three-time MVP's table anytime soon.

The Oakland A's clearly needed their own Manny, Papelbaum or Ozzie identity. Now they got one, via Arod.