Has Billy Beane completely lost his mind, or is he using his "money ball" magic to rebuild the Oakland Athletics and improve on their future?
The team traded closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday for outfielder Josh Reddick (who looks like he's about 12) and two other prospects. This is excellent news for Boston, who was in desperate need of a pitcher to work the ninth inning since the departure of Jonathan Papelbon, who joined to the Philadelphia Phillies for four years, $50 million back in November.
Bailey, the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year, went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves over 41.2 innings last year. He landed on the disabled list for the second straight season with a strained right forearm and didn't end up making an appearance until May 29, but managed to stay healthy after that.
In addition to Bailey, the A's have also gotten rid of Trevor Cahill and reliever Craig Breslow, who were traded away to the Arizona Diamondbacks early in December, just eight months after Oakland handed Cahill a five-year, $30.5 million contract. Let's also not forget about lefty Gio Gonzalez, who was sent to the Washington Nationals last Thursday.
Reddick batted .280 with seven homers and 28 RBI in 87 games for Boston last season, and has the valuable ability to play any outfield position. This will come in handy for the A's, who've lost David DeJesus and Josh Willingham to free agency this winter. Meanwhile, center fielder Coco Crisp is not expected to return either.
For Oakland however, we wonder how they think they have or will ever come out on top of this deal. Along with Reddick, the'll also receive two minor leaguers: first baseman Miles Head and right-handed pitcher Raul Alcantara. Are these two the future of the Athletics?
Beane is apparently expecting these youngsters to make a run with the A's in the next few years while also crossing his fingers for a new ballpark someday. That would be nice, considering they went 74-88 in 2011 and haven’t enjoyed a winning record or even made the playoffs since being swept in the 2006 ALCS by the Detroit Tigers.
[Daily Pitch]
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