Haren pities the A's

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Dan Haren is able to look on the A's rebuilding program with a smile, because he's not a part of it.

After Haren completed a workout with his new Diamondbacks teammates on Sunday, he cast an eye toward what is going on with his old team.

"I don't know how happy I would be if I was in Joe Blanton's situation, or even a guy like Mark Ellis," Haren said. "Ellis probably only has one year left. I'm sure at this point in his career, he's in his prime, and guys in that situation don't want to be part of a rebuilding. They want to be a part of a winning team.

"That's why I'm very happy where I am, because I think the team I'm with is going to be good for a long time. I think it's going to take a long time for that Oakland team to get back to where it was two years ago. It's not going to be an easy year for Oakland."

No news flash there.

Haren, who was traded to the Diamondbacks for six prospects in the first strike of the rebuilding process, said he enjoyed his A's experience, especially the team's division title in 2006.

"That was such a fun year, winning the division and helping Oakland get past that hump (winning in the first round)," he said. "I pitched the game to get us to the next round, which was very exciting."

Haren remains close with many of the pitchers from the A's, specifically Blanton.

"I think me and Blanton had a special thing," he said. "Neither of us missed a start in our three years. It was really fun being on the same staff with him. Knowing the injuries he battled through to get out there, I really respect Blanton a lot. He pitches older than he is. He's a smart guy."

Haren said he's enjoying his new teammates, but it's a little early for bonding. Randy Johnson's locker is next to his, but Haren said he hasn't seen much of the future Hall of Famer because he is busy rehabbing from back surgery.

"I'm still getting comfortable," Haren said. "It's hard. I did it when I was in Oakland, trying to make friends and get to know guys."

Haren said Diamondbacks' camp is different from the A's camp in one significant way: "We run a little bit more. I wasn't really expecting that."

Although Haren, like most pitchers, was eager to get a chance to hit again, he admitted he didn't work on hitting much over the winter after he was traded.

"I'm not quite as good as I once was," said Haren, who began his career with the Cardinals. "I think I was an above-average hitting pitcher at least, and now I've got a ways to go."

Haren is in a rotation with Micah Owings, no doubt the best hitting pitcher in all of baseball.

"We had a little pitchers' competition already and he put on a display, hitting a few homers," Haren said. "I put on a display of ground balls to shortstop."

Haren said he is looking forward to more frequent battles against Giants lefties Barry Zito, his former A's teammate, and Noah Lowry, his former Pepperdine teammate.

"We'll see who will get the first hit off each other," Haren said. "I just hope I get the first hit off Zito. If I have to see him at first base, I might throw up. Noah, at least I know can swing the bat pretty well."

You can reach Staff Writer Jeff Fletcher at 521-5489 or jeff.fletcher@pressdemocrat.com