Quote:
Of the A's many injuries this season, Harden's have been the most unnerving because he is so young, so spectacularly talented and, apparently, so horribly jinxed. He started off last year like a Cy Young candidate, his right arm overpowering the American League, and then the craziness began.
"I still think about last season, what I could have done if I was healthy,'' Harden said. "That's the frustrating thing, what could have been, especially late in the season, my not being there for the team."
When his body didn't make it through April this year, Harden's spirits sank. He consoled himself by saying, in effect, "At least, there's nothing wrong with my pitching arm.'' Then he came back for one game, held Minnesota to one run in four innings, and discovered that his pitching arm hurt, right at the elbow, where pitchers often require surgery.
Harden has been repairing his ligament with a variety of treatments and a large dose of deprivation. He also gave up video games and playing the guitar because he worried that the repetitive stress might stall his recovery.
Mr. Beane said he won't be back right after the break...looks like the beginning of August might be an optimistic estimate :(