"The fastball that could push a radar-gun reading over 100 mph is gone, perhaps forever. So are the green and gold letters on his jersey and the sense of limitless possibilities. But the Rich Harden who took the mound for the Rangers at the Coliseum on Monday night retained his boyish grin and more than enough talent to confound his former team.

At 28, Harden's body has broken down so often and so badly, his career and confidence should be shattered by now. But Harden has picked up the shards and glued them back together.

On Monday, his fastball consistently hit about 93 mph, better than in his first five starts this year. "One was 96 miles per hour, at least on that radar gun," noted Texas manager Ron Washington.

He held the A's hitless for 5 1/3 innings, went seven innings, gave up two hits, no runs and a startling zero walks (he led the majors coming into the game) while striking out nine over seven innings. He came back to the place where his major-league career began and, at least for one evening, was reborn."