So the Athletics are officially sellers. Everyone saw a Dan Haren and/or
Joe Blanton trade coming (Haren has happened, and Blanton is coming soon), but
Nick Swisher came out of nowhere. At first glance, the Athletics traded a low salary outfielder with a good amount of power and great patience. But, don't underestimate Billy Beane. Beane snagged one of the most talented pitching prospects in all of baseball with
Gio Gonzalez. And believe me,
Kenny Williams is not happy that he had to surrender him. Despite
Kenny Williams trading
Gio Gonzalez as a player-to-be-named-later in the deal that sent
Aaron Rowand to the Phillies and
Jim Thome to the White Sox in 2005, Williams got Gonzalez back when he dealt
Freddy Garcia to the Phillies the next season.
We'll also review the
Houston Astros signing
Darin Erstad to a one year deal.