"For more than two months, "Missing" posters have dotted the A's clubhouse.

The wanted man: left-hander Dallas Braden.

Braden had shoulder surgery in May and since then, he has come into the training room for treatment, then quickly taken off back to Stockton well before first pitch.

His daily disappearances were noted, and not necessarily appreciated, in a clubhouse where teamwork and camaraderie is valued.

A's general manager Billy Beane, who gets shoulder treatment with Braden most days, even dropped a hint to Braden that he might want to increase his face time."