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A’s Acquire Lester, Gomes; Cespedes To Boston

By Steve Adams | July 31, 2014 at 2:44pm CDT

2:12pm: The A’s are paying $650K of Cespedes’ salary but are getting back $1.8MM from the Red Sox for Lester’s salary, tweets Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

11:35am: The teams have announced the trade. Nightengale tweets the exact figure that will be heading to Oakland: $650K.

10:09am: Dave Cameron of Fangraphs reports another wrinkle in the trade: Cespedes’ contract calls for him to be non-tendered at the end of his deal (if he is not first extended) in order to assure him early free agency, and he therefore is ineligible to receive a qualifying offer following the 2015 season (Twitter links).

9:14am: The Red Sox are sending under $1MM to the A’s in the trade, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Meanwhile, J.J. Cooper of Baseball America tweets that the value of the Competitive Balance pick that Boston receives will be roughly $800K.

8:54am: Passan tweets that Oakland is also sending a competitive balance draft pick to the Red Sox in the trade, and Boston is sending cash to Oakland. The A’s landed the second pick in Comp Round B in last week’s lottery.

8:49am: The Athletics have acquired Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes from the Red Sox in exchange for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.com (Twitter links). Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports first reported that Lester had been traded to an unknown club, while Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com first connected the A’s and Lester earlier this week.

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The addition of Lester will give Oakland an incredibly formidable rotation for the balance of the regular season, but perhaps more importantly, in the playoffs. Lester, who has posted a 2.52 ERA with 9.4 K/9, 2.0 BB/9 and a 43.2 percent ground-ball rate, will join fellow trade acquisition Jeff Samardzija, free agent signing Scott Kazmir and homegrown star Sonny Gray atop Oakland’s rotation.

It’s possible that the struggles of Jason Hammel, acquired from the Cubs along with Samardzija back on July 4, prompted A’s GM Billy Beane to aggressively pursue another sizable rotation upgrade. While the loss of Cespedes will hurt Oakland’s lineup, the team can afford to part with some offense; the A’s rank first in the Majors in runs scored, sixth in on-base percentage and eighth in slugging percentage. Gomes won’t replace Cespedes’ power or his .256/.303/.464 batting line, but he’s a formidable opponent against lefties, having slashed .302/.400/.431 against southpaws in 2014 and .279/.379/.495 in his career.

Cespedes will bring the Red Sox a much-needed outfield bat, though he’s only under team control through the 2015 season due to a clause in his contract that allows him to forgo arbitration and hit the free agent market after his initial four-year term. He’s slated to earn $10.5MM next season — the same sum that he is owed in 2014. John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets that Cespedes recently voiced a disinterest in playing center field with the A’s, but he did so through a teammate rather than by approaching manager Bob Melvin directly, which likely didn’t sit well with the team (Twitter links).

Yoenis Cespedes

The pair of blockbuster trades by Beane signifies a clear “all-in” philosophy on the 2014 season. Oakland has traded its best prospect (Addison Russell), a 2013 first-round pick (Billy McKinney) and one of its most dangerous bats (Cespedes) in an attempt at the most dominant pitching staff it can muster for the playoffs. There will be no compensation if (or, perhaps more appropriately given his likely price tag — when) Lester departs as a free agent, as baseball’s collective bargaining agreement prohibits players who did not spend the entire regular season on one team from receiving qualifying offers.

For the Red Sox, who hope to re-sign Lester as a free agent this offseason, this trade at least gives them a chance, perhaps a slight one, to have Lester and Cespedes on the same team in 2015 when the club takes another shot at contending. Beyond that, the addition of a draft pick is an interesting wrinkle, as it allows Boston to enjoy the best of both worlds, in a way. GM Ben Cherington could have kept Lester and extended a qualifying offer in hopes of recouping a draft pick if Lester signed elsewhere in free agency. Now, the Sox will get a bonus pick regardless (albeit a slightly later one), and they also are guaranteed a middle-of-the-order bat for the 2015 season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Boston engage Cespedes in extension talks either, though that is nothing more than my own speculation at this juncture.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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Boston Red Sox Newsstand Oakland Athletics Transactions Jon Lester Jonny Gomes Yoenis Cespedes

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841 Comments

  1. pastlives

    11 years ago

    ok that’s kind of weird, but good for Boston I think? Honestly this is a weird trade, Lester and Cespedes have been worth the exact same amount this year according to BR. The A’s took a bat out of the middle of their lineup, and the Sox get 1 year of him. Why?

    Reply
    • Fangaffes

      11 years ago

      Yeah. Who wouldn’t want someone with a .303 OBP? OK, probably Billy Beane, for one.

      Reply
    • mauryfeldman

      11 years ago

      I don’t like this deal for Boston much. Cespedes is only under contract for a year. They get a draft pick, somewhere around 35-45, where the probability of success is already significantly reduced. It doesn’t seem to me that this helps them much for the future. Couldn’t they have gotten legit prospects from another team?
      I wonder if the Masterson trade really hurt them here. The Cardinals had younger, more projectable players to offer.
      It’s not that Cespedes isn’t a good return for Lester per se, it sjut appears to be a short term fix, which is weird for a team moving veteran talent.

      Reply
      • Littledoc

        11 years ago

        They can trade Cespedes for prospects too this offseason or next year tradeline if they have a bad 2015

        Reply
      • Danielle Rennifer

        11 years ago

        He might be a better option to be traded once again to a team needing help on offense like the Seattle Mariners by still hanging on in the wild card race. Remember Mark Langston who was traded from the Matiners to the Expos and then to the Angels 24 years ago?

        Reply
        • John 53

          11 years ago

          That’s exactly what I was thinking/hoping! I wonder what kind of prospects it would take to get vespers from Boston

          Reply
          • Danielle Rennifer

            11 years ago

            Wonder if it’s Cespedes and Napoli as Patrick Kivelhan, Gabriel Guerrero, John Hicks, James Paxton/Taijuan Walker, and either Corey Hart/Logan Morrison/Jesus Montero heading to Boston. Mariners should also look into Ethier or Kemp also to bolster the team since Ackley or Saunders would be perfect to come off the bench & give someone a day off or so.

            Reply
            • John 53

              11 years ago

              How about smoak, Franklin, and Erasmo Ramirez instead of kivelhan and Guerrero

              Reply
        • hediouspb

          11 years ago

          he’s the final piece in the offseason move for Stanton.

          Reply
      • not_brooks

        11 years ago

        Oops. No prospect.

        See Dave Cameron update.

        Reply
  2. gnats

    11 years ago

    wut.

    Reply
  3. GrilledCheese39

    11 years ago

    Red Sox win this deal by A LOT.

    Reply
    • MB923

      11 years ago

      Especially if Lester goes back to Boston.

      Reply
      • gnats

        11 years ago

        Well, he’s not going to get a deal from Oakland. So Red Sox will win it anyway.

        Reply
        • MB923

          11 years ago

          Still might stay on the west coast and sign with LA (either of the 2 LA teams)

          Reply
          • paqza

            11 years ago

            It’s fantastic for him now contract-wise because the team that signs him won’t have to give up a pick – just money. That really opens up possibilities.

            Reply
      • drlove33

        11 years ago

        I’m pretty sure a big reason why the Red Sox traded Lester was precisely because they could not afford to resign him. So I don’t think that’s really an option for them.

        Reply
        • Metsfan93

          11 years ago

          I disagree. It could be the reason, but if Lester didn’t care about being a career BoSox, then the Red Sox did right here by improving their 2015 roster. Cespedes + Lester for ’15 is better than neither Cespedes nor Lester and just Cespedes. They’ve maximized their chances of competing in ’15.

          Reply
          • drlove33

            11 years ago

            Sure, but it looks like just in ’15. Cespedes wants to hit the open market.

            Reply
        • MB923

          11 years ago

          Saying Red Sox and “could not afford” together is like saying Rays and “spending spree” together.

          Reply
          • drlove33

            11 years ago

            Times have changed in Boston and they’ve made it clear that they aren’t just going to resign their guys for however much that guy wants (we saw this with Elsbury last year, right after the world series no less). Maybe they could “afford” to pay him but the point is, they won’t give him what other teams can offer.

            Reply
        • Spare Tire Dixon

          11 years ago

          Not necessarily. They may recognize that they CAN re-sign him and, with this season basically over, they may as well get something for him. For all we know, they have a handshake agreement to bring Lester back next season. Now they get Cespedes too.

          Reply
          • GrayhawkAZ

            11 years ago

            That is what I think… They already have a deal in place… BUt Boston has been very public about giving 5 year deals to Pitchers in and around 30… We know how pitches now regress at this point (CC, Haren, etc)

            Reply
            • Spare Tire Dixon

              11 years ago

              It’s a smart strategy if that’s the case. The Sox are done this year and Lester has a chance to go win a ring. They could get a basic agreement in place, shake hands, and reconvene this winter. Sox get a player (cespedes) for nothing basically and get their man (Lester) back.

              Reply
              • gammaraze

                11 years ago

                “Sox get a player for nothing” … assuming they, in fact, have a hand shake agreement, and Lester honors it, then they got something for nothing. Otherwise, they have picked up Cespedes in exchange for a compensation pick. Supplemental 1st round picks in the last 15 years include the likes of Kelly Johnson, David Wright, Adam Jones, Gio Gonzalez, Huston Street, Clay Buchholz, and Josh Donaldson.

                Reply
                • Metsfan93

                  11 years ago

                  I would take Cespedes over most of those except Wright, Jones, and Donaldson, and Donaldson himself was developed by Oakland and less heralded originally.

                  Reply
                • Spare Tire Dixon

                  11 years ago

                  and a host of other guys who never panned out.

                  Reply
          • Jeff Scott

            11 years ago

            Exactly.

            Reply
      • Robby L. Sklarz

        11 years ago

        If Boston was willing to pay Lester what he wanted, he’d still be there. I don’t think he’s going back.

        Reply
        • The_Porcupine

          11 years ago

          I agree. They kind of burned a bridge and it will be tough to get both sides back on the same page together.

          Reply
          • ishkabibble

            11 years ago

            Don’t believe its a burned bridge at all. Though unpleasent, this whole thing never got contentious between the two. Lester’s already stated he’d re-sign w/ Boston if the numbers worked out.

            Reply
            • The_Porcupine

              11 years ago

              Stating it to the media is public posturing though. Seriously, the Sox offered less than half of what he was after in salary. That is a pretty big gap to try to fill in on a compromise.

              Reply
              • Metsfan93

                11 years ago

                We don’t know what Boston’s latest offer would be. 4/70 was the starting point. If they’re willing to go 5/120? Who knows..

                Reply
        • Eric 26

          11 years ago

          Players and teams always say they are open to resigning them the year after a trade, but it never seems to happen.

          Reply
        • Kieta Vivian

          11 years ago

          Lester was the guy who claimed during the offseason he would give the Sox a hometown discount. Then negotiations start and the FO finds out that he was lying and wants over 20 million a year. Its not entirely the teams fault here.

          Reply
          • Metsfan93

            11 years ago

            20 MM per is a hometown discount. He didn’t lie. Greinke signed for 6 @ 24.5. Hamels for 6 @ 24. Lee for 5 @ 24. Hernandez for 7 @ 25, 5 @ 27 in new money, Verlander 7 @ 25+, 5 @ 28 in new money, Kershaw signed for 7 @ a little over 30. 5/110 or so is still a discount, and he would’ve signed that in Spring Training apparently.

            Reply
        • Jeff Scott

          11 years ago

          I disagree. Notice who they traded him to– THE A’S. Not exactly a big market team. No way they are going to commit 40% of their payroll to one pitcher for the next 5 years. And they are the only team with an inside track on him. If they had traded him to a big market team I would be more concerned.

          Reply
    • NomarGarciaparra

      11 years ago

      Am I the only one not that overwhelmed by Cespedes? By no means do I think the Red Sox lost this trade, but what’s the big deal with Cespedes? He has power and a cannon arm, but aside from that, his numbers aren’t that impressive.

      Reply
      • Mike Adamson

        11 years ago

        Agreed his name is bigger than the actual player but I still think it was a good trade for Boston seeing Lester is a UFA

        Reply
      • tesseract

        11 years ago

        Look at Josh Harrison, now look at Cespedes. Josh Harrison may be having a great year but to me he is no more than a Bench player and will not likely ever perform better than this year. Cespedes is having a good year but could be on the cusp of a breakout. The guy has plus tools across the board, why would you not like a player like that on your team?

        Reply
        • Henry Limpet

          11 years ago

          What’s with the slam on Josh Harrison out of no where? What does he have to do with anything?

          Reply
          • tesseract

            11 years ago

            It’s just an example. J-Hay is a good player but I wanted to show a point that players are more than just stats. They have good numbers but who would you rather have, Cespedes or Harrison? Cespedes is going to be a beast for years to come

            Reply
        • GrayhawkAZ

          11 years ago

          Cespedes is 29… Breakout would have already happened by now I would have to think… The name is certainly more than the figures he puts up… What was interesting is how Cespedes was a negative WAR defensive player his first two years and his year has changed..

          Reply
          • tesseract

            11 years ago

            Cespedes is 28 not 29, but has only played baseball in the US since he was 26. Thinking he could breakout is not unreasonable. And defense metrics fluctuate year by year, that’s why they are not as reliable as offensive metrics

            Reply
          • paqza

            11 years ago

            He’s 29, but he’s only had 2.6 years in the Majors. Plenty of guys break out after that. And even his floor is pretty respectable.

            Reply
            • ishkabibble

              11 years ago

              Turns 29 October 18th.

              Reply
      • mauryfeldman

        11 years ago

        Boston can dominate the home run derby next year.

        Reply
      • paqza

        11 years ago

        I think he’ll like the Monster. And considering the problems the Sox have had in their outfield so far, a Céspedes/Betts/JBJ alignment with Nava getting some playing time looks pretty good.

        Reply
      • Bob Bunker

        11 years ago

        Cespedes talent is hard to judge because his first year he had a 326 BABIP which is slightly lucky but not incredibly so and a 137 WRC+ and hit 23 HR in 130 games with half in the giant park in OAK. Then the next two years his BABIP fell to .275 which is either unlucky or his true BABIP level and his WRC+ fell to 102 and 113 while his ISO stayed pretty much the same.

        I think in Fenway he should be good for 30 HR and if his BABIP goes back up he could be good for 275/330/800.

        Reply
      • Steve_in_MA

        11 years ago

        He’s a +3WAR guy. Ellsbury was a +3WAR guy. He’s almost as impressive as his name. The Sox can extend him this offseason for 4 years at $60MM and have a quality LF locked in for the next half decade.

        Reply
        • NomarGarciaparra

          11 years ago

          Where is all this WAR coming from? Because his offensive numbers sure don’t look that impressive. Also, I think he should play RF at Fenway. That cannon will be somewhat wasted in the small LF.

          Reply
          • Jaysfan1994 2

            11 years ago

            He gets lots of time in the #3 hole, put any person there and they’ll provide WAR.

            Reply
          • Steve_in_MA

            11 years ago

            His BA and OBP are unimpressive, but he’s an OPS+ player. He can hit 25 dingers in Oakland, so that’s more like 30+ in Fenway. And then he’s got great speed and one of the best arms in the MLB. The WAR is there. If he improves on plate discipline, he might even get to +4.

            Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      How so? Are they built to win next year? If not then they lose Lester and are right back in this same predicament next year with Cespedes who will probably have less trade value than Lester.

      Reply
      • paqza

        11 years ago

        They can always resign Lester. The A’s certainly won’t.

        Reply
        • Bleed_Orange

          11 years ago

          True but will they? If they were honestly going to really try and resign him wouldn’t they have given him a REAL offer before he hit the open market. Now there will be teams like the dodgers, cubs, and yankees driving up the price and the front office has already said they don’t want to sign a 30 year old to a contract that is 5 years +

          Reply
          • paqza

            11 years ago

            The Cubs would be a good options. I don’t see the Dodgers or Yankees in on him due to payroll concerns, but they’re definitely possibilities.

            Reply
    • Mike Adamson

      11 years ago

      Unless Oakland wins the World Series!!!

      Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      Because we get Cespedes for one year?

      Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      Because we get Cespedes for one year?

      Reply
      • rct 2

        11 years ago

        Yeah, that’s my thought, too. Sure, the As might only get Lester for a few months, but they also get Gomes and it costs them a year and two months of Cespedes. It seems like a pretty even deal to me.

        Reply
      • NomarGarciaparra

        11 years ago

        My thoughts exactly. I was pretty excited hearing names like Joc Pederson and other legitimate prospects. I was interested to see people’s reaction to this and I was surprised that everyone thought it was such a big win for the Red Sox.

        Cespedes is a big name, but his performance doesn’t quite match the name and he’s only signed through 2015.

        Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      If the A’s win a World Series with this rotation, it could be a true Win-Win trade for both clubs. Especially if Lester returns to Boston in the offseason

      Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      Not really. He’s a FA after next season and there was no way the A’s were going to sign him. Odds are they were going to trade him in the off season since they probably could afford to offer him, Shark and possibly Kazmir a qualifying offer after 2015. The A’s get two playoff pieces for now in exchange for one year of Cespedes. I like this deal for both teams.

      Reply
    • The_Porcupine

      11 years ago

      I think that if the A’s end up winning the World Series, they will win the deal. That seems to be the only thing Beane sees right now. He has a chance to win it and is willing to go all in. And let’s be real, Cespedes is good but he isn’t all that. There was no way the A’s were going to resign him after next year, but Sox have the budget to do so. No doubt Beane is gambling, but it is definitely entertaining.

      Reply
    • Danielle Rennifer

      11 years ago

      Especially the Mariners in a toss up if they can acquire Cespedes & Lackey for Walker, Pike, Guerrero, Kivelhan, Hart/Montero/Morrison/Smoak (one of those four players), and PTBN.

      Reply
      • Frittoman626

        11 years ago

        Nobody wants Hart, Montero, Morrison, and Smoak. They’re all terrible.

        Reply
        • Danielle Rennifer

          11 years ago

          Stefan Romero & Julio Morban would be better option than those four mentioned. Phillies in a three team trade might be a good way to make the deal accomplish if Lackey & Byrd, Napoli & Byrd, or Cespedes & Hamels going to Seattle work out well.

          Reply
    • williemaysfield

      11 years ago

      The Red Sox could have had prospects. Instead they get one year of cespedes who’s a free agent after 2015 without QO attached. It’s a win but not a big win.

      Reply
  4. MB923

    11 years ago

    I saw this one all along

    – Said no one ever

    Reply
    • I Believe We Can Win

      11 years ago

      After the shark trade and how Hammel has struggled I did see beane looking for another arm. But definitely not Lester.

      Reply
  5. BrettLawriesnewesttattoo

    11 years ago

    3 years of Cespedes for a few months of Lester and Gomes? I don’t get it.

    Reply
    • Christopher Soto

      11 years ago

      Actually only 1 1/2 yrs…..Cespedes can file for Article XX(B) free agency after 2015.

      Reply
      • BrettLawriesnewesttattoo

        11 years ago

        aw, ok. never heard of that. will have to look it up.

        Reply
      • Donskoy

        11 years ago

        How? It looks like that applies to players in the minors. Doesn’t Cespedes go to arbitration after 2015?

        Reply
        • Sam Froomkin

          11 years ago

          Does Arb apply to contracts to international players? I thought they are just signed outright to major league contracts.

          Reply
          • Donskoy

            11 years ago

            Baseball Reference says free agent at 2018, but that might be automated. These places tend to be better informed than I.

            Reply
        • Metsfan93

          11 years ago

          Everything I’ve seen says he can be a FA after next year.

          Reply
        • williemaysfield

          11 years ago

          He becomes a free agent after 2015. It’s one of the reasons he signed with the A’s. No one else was willing to give him free agency after 4 years.

          Reply
        • Metsfan93

          11 years ago

          It appears its in his contract for Oakland to non-tender him after 2015, making him a FA without a QO (you can’t offer a QO and non-tender someone simultaneously)

          Reply
    • Donskoy

      11 years ago

      Cespedes is going to stop being cheap real soon, so maybe Beane is freeing up his resources to extend some of his guys and/or lock up one of their pitchers.

      Reply
    • anon_coward

      11 years ago

      and a chance for the one of the lowest payroll teams to go to the WS

      Reply
      • TRAPstar

        11 years ago

        What is their payroll? I feel it is much higher this year than usual with Jim Johnson making $10mil for example

        Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      They want to win a World Series and dealt from a position of strength (offense) to stack their rotation for the playoffs

      Reply
  6. JCurrie39

    11 years ago

    Wow, didn’t see this coming. I think it’s a poor move for Oakland. Cespedes for a half season of Lester. I’d pass but that rotation will be sweet!

    Reply
    • Realist 2

      11 years ago

      A’s are playing to win now. They are loaded in the farm system with pitching.

      Reply
      • raltongo 2

        11 years ago

        Yea but giving up cespedes? Wow..guess Billy’s got a plan that I’m not quite understanding now

        Reply
        • Metsfan93

          11 years ago

          The plan where he couldn’t re-sign Cespedes after 2015 and is going for gold this year when he already has the best team in MLB? Yeah, that plan seems solid.

          Reply
        • Spare Tire Dixon

          11 years ago

          A’s need a stacked rotation to contend with Detroit and company in the playoffs. It’s been their missing piece all these years since 2001, when they get bumped out in the ALDS

          Reply
      • raltongo 2

        11 years ago

        Yea but giving up cespedes? Wow..guess Billy’s got a plan that I’m not quite understanding now

        Reply
      • Snoochies8

        11 years ago

        Actually they don’t have very good pitching depth in their system right now. All of their healthy top pitching prospects are in Stockton or Beloit (basically, single-A)

        Their strength in the system right now is up the middle (Pinder, Robertson, Jesus Lopez, Yairo Munoz) and corner infield (Ryon Healy, Renato Nunez, Max Muncy, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman)

        Reply
  7. Phillyfan425

    11 years ago

    Wow…just wow.
    The only way the A’s win this deal (in any idea) is if they win the WS this year.

    Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      The A’s have already won this deal.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        Nah man, gotta look beyond this season. Your Sox won it.

        Reply
        • MeowMeow

          11 years ago

          For this return I would’ve rather just kept Lester

          Reply
          • Ted

            11 years ago

            Why? Based on Lester’s comments, you’re just as likely to re-sign Lester as if you’d kept him. The only difference is whether you have him for the rest of this season which is a lost cause. Might as well have Lester and Cespedes in 2015 than just Lester.

            Reply
      • Phillyfan425

        11 years ago

        Ehh, Boston gets a 1 year of better player than Gomes, plus a draft pick (yes, you would have gotten a slightly higher one for Lester). You can also turn that into (at worst) another draft pick if you offer Cespedes a QO after 2015 (if he doesn’t re-sign with you). So, at worst, you’re getting 2 draft picks for Lester and Gomes.

        Reply
        • calamityfrancis

          11 years ago

          there is no draft pick compensation for cespedes.

          Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      The A’s have already won this deal.

      Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      They don’t need to “win” this deal. They want to win a ring. They are not competing for “best trade” with Boston.

      Reply
      • Phillyfan425

        11 years ago

        The team as a whole might not care. But the GM should. He should care whether he wins or loses deals.

        Reply
        • Spare Tire Dixon

          11 years ago

          Sure, but the two teams are trading to fill different needs. If the A’s don’t win the Series is their trade a “failure”? If the Sox don’t re-sign Lester in the offseason, is their side a loss? Right now the trade makes sense for both sides. Beane made the deal he needed to make to stack his rotation. They can’t measure the success of a trade based on how it works out for Boston.

          Reply
          • Phillyfan425

            11 years ago

            No, you measure a trade by how it impacts you this year and going forward. So unless the A’s win a WS this year, how can you call it anything but a failure? They were already the best team in baseball, so this move was made solely for the playoffs. And if they fall in the playoffs, then the move wasn’t worth it for the GM (i.e. it didn’t improve the team enough to win it all). Plus, he gave up a draft pick and can’t obtain a new one by offering a QO to Lester.
            So if they don’t win the WS, he gave up a good player with a year of control, a draft pick, and the potential to get another draft pick (had they offered Cespedes a QO after 2015) for nothing.

            Reply
            • paqza

              11 years ago

              The playoffs are a crapshoot but if your front 4 is Lester/Shark/Kazmir/Gray, it really helps your chances. More importantly, the A’s revenue stream is tied to attendance and even making the playoffs and advancing to the LCS will dramatically boost revenue this year and next year, giving Beane more money to work with. It’s definitely not a failure unless the team just doesn’t make the playoffs.

              Reply
  8. Yamsi12

    11 years ago

    A’s got hosed.

    Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      A’s gave up the last year and a third of Cespedes for an express ticket to the 2014 World Series.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        Oops. Should have kept Cespedes after all 🙂

        Reply
    • williemaysfield

      11 years ago

      Cespedes has a .760 ops the past two seasons. He has power but is below average at getting on base. The A’s lose out on next season and the comp pick in 2016 when Cespedes signs with another team.

      Reply
      • paqza

        11 years ago

        They’re on different spots on the win curve. The Red Sox have a bad outfield and wanted to improve it and the As have scored the most runs in baseball and are also the best team in baseball. It’s not bad if it lets them get further in the playoffs; at the end of the day, the goal is for them to win a WS and this gets them closer.

        Reply
      • Metsfan93

        11 years ago

        The A’s couldn’t have offered the comp pick anyway.

        Reply
  9. Carl Langley

    11 years ago

    Lester, Samardzija, Kazmir, Gray. GG Tigers.

    Reply
  10. GrilledCheese39

    11 years ago

    Gomes isn’t headed to Boston. He was in Boston, now apparently in Oakland.

    Reply
    • GrilledCheese39

      11 years ago

      Nevermind lol.

      Reply
  11. driftcat28

    11 years ago

    shocked

    Reply
  12. Zach 20

    11 years ago

    Jonny Gomes is already on the Red Sox.
    Edit: They fixed it.

    Reply
    • sean m.

      11 years ago

      NOO!

      Reply
  13. anthony castaldi

    11 years ago

    When is Cespedes a free agent?

    Reply
    • pastlives

      11 years ago

      after next season I believe.

      Reply
  14. sdsny

    11 years ago

    Holy cow…I thought prospects would be going the other way. Cespedes? For a 2-month rental pitcher and Johnny Gomes? Boston won this one.

    Reply
    • MB923

      11 years ago

      Oakland wouldn’t have had the prospects. They only had 1 elite one and he was traded for Shark.

      Reply
  15. MB923

    11 years ago

    Poor Cespedes. Goes to bed last night playing for the best team in the AL. Wakes up and is now on one of the worst teams in the AL.

    Reply
    • Curt Green

      11 years ago

      Red Sox: First to Worst. I knew last year was a fluke.

      Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      I’m really hoping the Sox are planning to flip him (+Lackey maybe?) as part of some deal to actually get good prospects from someone. I hate this deal otherwise.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        Why would you hate this deal? It’s a win for Boston easily.

        Reply
        • MeowMeow

          11 years ago

          Because we get Cespedes for 2015 and a worse draft pick than we would’ve gotten if Lester had left via QO?

          Reply
          • MB923

            11 years ago

            Well can’t they offer a QO to Cespedes next year (barring a trade or extension)?

            Reply
            • MeowMeow

              11 years ago

              Sure, but that’s a paltry return still. I can’t believe that Ben couldn’t have coerced a prospect out of someone over the next several hours

              Reply
              • JacobyWanKenobi

                11 years ago

                I feel like an extension with Cespedes and reunion with Lester is the endgame here. Who knows though.

                Reply
                • MeowMeow

                  11 years ago

                  If those both happen, then I’ll like the deal.

                  Reply
              • MB923

                11 years ago

                Actually I just read Cespedes cannot be offered a QO. Hope the Red Sox knew that.

                Reply
                • MeowMeow

                  11 years ago

                  The deal keeps getting worse! 😀

                  Reply
          • Bob Bunker

            11 years ago

            I understand where you are coming from but if the idea is to contend in 2015 (and it better be) then this trade makes perfect sense. Fix one of the biggest holes on the team with an All Star at 10 million dollars. Overall, I understand wanting a Joc Pederson or Josh Bell or Piscotyy but none of those guys are proven and Cespedes is only 28. 2 things could make it even better.

            1. Extend Cespedes to a deal that includes the 2015 salary to lower the AAV hit.
            2. Resign Lester in the off season with some of the savings from getting an All Star OF at 10 million.

            Reply
            • MeowMeow

              11 years ago

              If this trade facilitates us extending Cespedes and we re-sign Lester, then I’ll like it.

              Reply
              • Bob Bunker

                11 years ago

                Yeah I can’t imagine them doing this trade without at least planning to go all in on either Cespedes or Lester long term. Maybe trading for a proven All Star rather then prospects shows the front office is done pinching pennies and wants to to buy some stars to allow the young guys to develop around!

                Reply
                • MeowMeow

                  11 years ago

                  I’ll believe it when I see it

                  Reply
                  • Bob Bunker

                    11 years ago

                    Just have to have more confidence in the front office man. Worst case they get a 1 year of Cespedes and 2 draft picks in the top 50 for a half a year of Lester + Gomes. Best case they have both players for the next 6 years starting in 2015 and two top 50 draft picks. All you have to do is Believe!!!

                    Reply
                    • timpa

                      11 years ago

                      I think they come out with better than the comp pick for Lester with a chance to still sign Lester. Not sure what prospects other teams were offering.

                      I don’t think (never thought) Lester was significantly better than Greinke when the Brewers traded him to the Angels and they got a 50-75 ranked prospect in Segura.

                      Reply
                    • calamityfrancis

                      11 years ago

                      just came out that there will be no draft pick compensation for cespedes.

                      Reply
      • mlbaustin

        11 years ago

        That’s an interesting thought. I think this deal makes sense for Oakland more than Boston, so that would make sense. Maybe for a near ready MLB starter. Seattle could use him, maybe they build a package including Cespedes for Walker?

        Reply
    • timpa

      11 years ago

      I wonder if he could end up on one of the world teams in the NL. Wonder how much in terms of prospects would need to be added with him to get Cole Hamels. Ruben Amaro Jr loves HR hitters.

      Reply
  16. Metsfan93

    11 years ago

    Jonny Gomes is already in Boston..

    Reply
  17. randyfastman

    11 years ago

    better hope Oakland wins this year… especially when Lester re-signs with Boston in the offseason.

    Reply
  18. onemanrevival

    11 years ago

    Why would the A’s trade one of their top hitters?

    Reply
    • Brendan Purcell

      11 years ago

      Cespedes is replaceable (Gomes/Fuld platoon)….Lester is not. Team gets much, much better.

      Reply
  19. bravo_84

    11 years ago

    I’m assuming this can’t be the whole deal… I mean seriously??

    Reply
  20. Jim Low

    11 years ago

    Awful deal for the A’s

    Reply
  21. Chris Lattier

    11 years ago

    Cespedes is a FA after 2015 (next year) and A’s won’t resign…meanwhile Boston could’ve received controllable young players to rebuild with going forward and all they get is Cespedes who has a under 800 OPS two years in a row now….they could’ve done better IMO.

    Reply
  22. Allen

    11 years ago

    Want more please…

    Reply
  23. ztoa

    11 years ago

    Wow…

    Reply
  24. coreybishop

    11 years ago

    There we have it. Nothing is going to get done today.

    Reply
  25. Mike M 2

    11 years ago

    must be some decent prospects going back to Oakland, otherwise it seems too good to be true. Cespedes? Thats insane.

    Reply
  26. griffey9988

    11 years ago

    Wow I’m surprised the A’s would give up part of their big league club for him. Interesting trade for sure, I thought they would be trading farm guys. Cespedes being involved is surprising.

    Reply
  27. Mike 80

    11 years ago

    Milone will end up getting traded.

    Reply
    • 0vercast

      11 years ago

      Milone was traded to the Twins. Woohoo

      Reply
      • Mike 80

        11 years ago

        Yup, he wanted out of Oakland, should have never been sent down.

        I was hoping he would end up in DC or Baltimore (Baltimore could use him).

        Reply
  28. Gladiator

    11 years ago

    What does this mean for the future of Mookie Betts?

    Reply
    • Metsfan93

      11 years ago

      If he hits, he’ll play. He’ll force himself into the lineup. Cespedes is only currently under contract through 2015 anyway.

      Reply
  29. sourbob

    11 years ago

    Head a’splodes.

    Reply
  30. Billy Bacus

    11 years ago

    Boston won this deal! Lester is probably going back to Boston during the winter

    Reply
    • DarthMurph

      11 years ago

      Yea because there’s a ton of precedent for that happening…

      Reply
  31. $5427573

    11 years ago

    I wonder if the A’s will turn around and trade for a bat to replace Cespedes. Albeit a lesser bat

    Reply
  32. Bleed_Orange

    11 years ago

    I actually hate this deal for Boston… unless they really think they can turn it around next year and get back to the playoffs Cespedes means nothing to them. Unless they are going to flip Cespedes for something else.

    Reply
    • MaineBaseball

      11 years ago

      Cespedes is under control for 3 years…

      Reply
      • Bleed_Orange

        11 years ago

        Should be just 1 more year. Signed a 4 year deal with Oakland.

        Reply
    • Chris Lattier

      11 years ago

      this guy gets it.

      Reply
  33. Tim Richer

    11 years ago

    I’d expect Millone to come over too. Probably nothing else though.

    Reply
  34. steveb-2

    11 years ago

    This is why the Red Sox are smarter than the Yankees. And I’m a Yankees fan since the mid-1960s. The Yankees could’ve traded Cano last year and since they don’t have what it takes this season, they should be dealing Robertson.

    Reply
    • EV

      11 years ago

      no, you’re not.

      Reply
      • steveb-2

        11 years ago

        I’m not what? A Yankees fan? Since 1965, bucko.

        Reply
  35. zachw

    11 years ago

    Bold move Billy. Bold move.

    Reply
    • Curt Green

      11 years ago

      That is why I like Billy. You know he will do SOMETHING. Being a Twins fan, I appreciate that.

      Reply
  36. Chris Lattier

    11 years ago

    FA after 2015…

    Reply
    • Metsfan93

      11 years ago

      Can he opt out of arbitration? I don’t know the details of his contract but I think he can.

      Reply
    • Chris Lattier

      11 years ago

      wait arb eligible after 2015

      Reply
    • MaineBaseball

      11 years ago

      He’s a free agent after 2018 lol

      Reply
      • Metsfan93

        11 years ago

        Cots has him listed as a free agent after 2015. I think his contract stipulates he can bypass arbitration after the four year deal

        Reply
        • randyfastman

          11 years ago

          Jim Bowden says Sox have 3 1/2 years of Cespedes… this is confusing..

          Reply
      • jljr222

        11 years ago

        No, he’s not. Do a little research. He is signed for $10.5MM in 2015 and eligible for FA after that season. Don’t quote Baseball Reference my friend.

        Reply
      • williemaysfield

        11 years ago

        Free agent after 2015. They can’t offer arb. That’s why he signed with the A’s.

        Reply
      • asovermann

        11 years ago

        He signed a major league deal, he can opt into FA in 2015.

        Reply
        • MaineBaseball

          11 years ago

          Yeah, didn’t know that. Oh well. They can either resign him or deal him later.

          Reply
    • gpf0r

      11 years ago

      baseball-reference.com says he is not a free agent until 2018 at the earliest.

      Earliest Arb Eligible: 2016, Earliest Free Agent: 2018

      Reply
    • MaineBaseball

      11 years ago

      Yeah, sorry. BR let me down 🙁

      Reply
  37. Roy-Z

    11 years ago

    Baseball is the best.

    Reply
  38. coreybishop

    11 years ago

    Good pitching beats good hitting every time. The A’s made the right move if they intend to contend for a World Series.

    Reply
    • Brandon 20

      11 years ago

      Yeah but you have to have some good hitting to back up that good pitching…trust me I’m a Reds fan, we know this all too well.

      Reply
      • Brendan Purcell

        11 years ago

        Most runs in the league, 18.2 combined oWAR from their position players (excluding Cespedes)…is that not enough to back up the best rotation (maybe 2nd) AND bullpen in the league?

        Reply
        • Brandon 20

          11 years ago

          Oh I agree that this was the right move but disagreed with the general statement.

          Reply
          • Brendan Purcell

            11 years ago

            True, that’s why I think the main premise of all of the pro-Boston arguments is wrong. Oakland can replace Cespedes’ offensive production. You can’t really replace Lester’s top-of-the-rotation ability and his post-season experience. Especially considering Oakland’s 2014 goal.

            Reply
          • Brendan Purcell

            11 years ago

            And also, I think this move gives the A’s more free agency flexibility. $10.5M (plus JJ’s $10M) are off the books…and only a couple guys are UFA….will allow the A’s to certainly replace Cespedes if they wish.

            Reply
  39. Casey S.

    11 years ago

    What? The A’s have been going wild with trades this year. Next thing you know cats and dogs will start being friends.

    Reply
    • williemaysfield

      11 years ago

      My jack Russell says no.

      Reply
      • Curt Green

        11 years ago

        My shih tzu says yes.

        Reply
  40. Realist 2

    11 years ago

    Pretty much.

    Reply
  41. Hello it's Dick again

    11 years ago

    So this year when the Oakland bats go cold in the playoffs they can lose to the Tigers 2-1, 2-1, 3-2

    Reply
  42. Chuck Mungall

    11 years ago

    Cespedes will hit HRs by the bucketfull in Fenway.

    Reply
    • Cmac1300

      11 years ago

      Agreed Cespedes will be a force at Fenway. Red Sox win the trade BIG

      Reply
      • Curt Green

        11 years ago

        Not if A’s win world series.

        Reply
  43. Littledoc

    11 years ago

    man Cespedes carried this team last 2 years in offense and now when they have a shot for WS they trade him. Baseball is unfair sometimes.

    Reply
    • Brendan Purcell

      11 years ago

      how exactly did he “carry” them this year or last? I would have to say Donaldson and Moss are doing most of the carrying.

      Reply
  44. DarthMurph

    11 years ago

    I guess this means we’ll be competing in 2015? Or Cherington didn’t do his homework on Cespedes? Why couldn’t we get Milone too?

    Reply
    • GrilledCheese39

      11 years ago

      Are you really complaining about this deal? You hosed the A’s.

      Reply
      • DarthMurph

        11 years ago

        How? We only get Cespedes through 2015. He’s a good player, but what are we going to do with him?

        Reply
        • Chris 53

          11 years ago

          Just wow.

          Reply
        • Trock

          11 years ago

          Try to lock him up? He is young and will rake in Fenway. Getting a guy like that and sending a pitcher who will be a rental for the A’s is a pretty good deal IMO. The real question is what it will take to lock up Cespedes. He could demand quite a bit of money signing a contract before he hits FA.

          Reply
        • Mikenmn

          11 years ago

          rev, i think you are perhaps the best red sox commenter. tell me why you don’t like the deal. i’m interested

          Reply
        • Fangaffes

          11 years ago

          Why only 2015? Isn’t that when he become arb eligible, but still under control?
          EDIT: Never mind. I misses that last paragraph about the unusual clause in his contract.

          Reply
    • Fangaffes

      11 years ago

      A hidden benefit might be that it gives them a leg up in signing fellow Cuban, Rusney Castillo. Which, in turn, might make it easier to extend Cespedes. Just a thought.

      Reply
      • DarthMurph

        11 years ago

        That’s a good point.

        Reply
  45. stevekc43

    11 years ago

    Lester will be a Yankee next year. Oakland’s just renting him for a few months but they gave up a promising young ball player in Cespedes to get him.

    Reply
  46. mike 81

    11 years ago

    As a Phillies fan I wish we had a real gm like Boston’s. He won’t move Hamels.

    Reply
    • jayf

      11 years ago

      No one wants to pay the price!

      Reply
      • paqza

        11 years ago

        Amaro asked for 3x what Hamels is worth – it’s not surprising the Dodgers weren’t willing to play.

        Reply
  47. tmengd

    11 years ago

    How can Gomes go to Boston? Wasn’t he already there? Wouldn’t he be going to A’s instead?

    Reply
  48. Elsalvaje

    11 years ago

    Gomes worth less than a batting glove, do basically the trade was Lester per Cedpedes. Good deal for Boston, now we gonna see a Cespedes hitting over 40 HR easily

    Reply
  49. Travis2014

    11 years ago

    I like A’s in this trade better. Cespedes is pretty overrated and a free agent after next year. Lester and Gomes will help them a ton down the stretch and make the easy WS favorites. I think the Red Sox got the bad end of the deal if they don’t resign Lester.

    Reply
    • MaineBaseball

      11 years ago

      He’s a free agent after 2018.

      Reply
      • Seamaholic

        11 years ago

        Cespedes? No, next year.

        Reply
        • MaineBaseball

          11 years ago

          Weird. Is he not subject to arbitration like everyone else?

          Reply
          • Bleed_Orange

            11 years ago

            No foreign players get it written into their contracts because they are rookies to MLB but not rookies to professional baseball

            Reply
            • MaineBaseball

              11 years ago

              Ahh, gotcha. Guess I never realized that.

              Reply
      • Bleed_Orange

        11 years ago

        Same contract as Japanese players, he is ” DFA” (or something like that) after his contract 2015 to be come a free agent.

        Reply
    • Mike M 2

      11 years ago

      How is is the bad end of the deal. Losing 2 players who’s contracts are up on a last place team for atleast a full season of Cespedes?

      Reply
      • Mike M 2

        11 years ago

        In other words, both teams can win a trade.

        Reply
      • Travis2014

        11 years ago

        I think they would have been better off with prospects…but we will never know what they were offered, and prospects are a gamble. Still one year of Cespedes is risky on a team that may have no chance…though they can trade him at next year’s deadline.

        If anything it is a fair trade. No way the A’s got hosed.

        Reply
      • Bleed_Orange

        11 years ago

        Because Cespedes only really helps them if they plan on contending next year. He’s contract isn’t cheap and will hinder the Sox on the free agent market. Other teams were most likely offering top 100 prospect or multiple players with lots of upside that would come at cheap control for 6 years.

        Reply
  50. MaineBaseball

    11 years ago

    Not gonna lie but I never saw this coming…..ever.

    Reply
  51. MaineBaseball

    11 years ago

    Not gonna lie but I never saw this coming…..ever.

    Reply
  52. Seamaholic

    11 years ago

    Gotta love the gambler’s instinct in Beane … going ALL out this year. But man, if they run into a little hitting slump in the playoffs, they could be shutout four straight by someone like the Tigers.

    Reply
  53. cbags22

    11 years ago

    I don’t understand why team wanted to get Lester when he said he would sign with the Red Sox in FA.

    Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      He said he would be open to signing with them. If they red sox had any interest in offering him fair market value they would have done so already. Count on Lester being in another city next year.

      Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Red Sox won’t sign him. He’ll be a FA with no QO attached now, which means 5-6 years, $22-23m per. Red Sox don’t sign contracts like that anymore, especially for pitchers. He’ll be a Dodger or Cub or some such.

      Reply
    • Tvators

      11 years ago

      He said he’d consider signing with the Red Sox, but by the red sox offers they probably won’t be considering signing him.

      Reply
  54. Realist 2

    11 years ago

    Oakland is sending down guys who are no. 2-3 starters on most teams. Lester rental is for one year. Teams with Oakland’s payroll need to go all in to win when they have the chance. Great trade.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Which guys are those? Oakland has one of the worst farm systems in baseball. I hardly think they’re sending down 2-3 starters!

      Reply
      • Mike M 2

        11 years ago

        Probably referring to Milone. Straily ain’t on the team anymore. Not sure if Milone is a 2 or 3 though. Actually, he’s definitely not.

        Reply
        • Realist 2

          11 years ago

          Milone was the one. OK, maybe a 4-5. But if they lose Lester in the offseason they can plug in Millone or Pomeranz and still be fine for next season.

          Reply
      • Realist 2

        11 years ago

        Pomeranz is good and I thought they had another guy who was tearing it up but can’t get in the rotation.

        Reply
  55. Cobby_Box

    11 years ago

    Oakland A’s Acquire Jon Lester, All Headlines.

    Reply
  56. gorav114

    11 years ago

    What what what? Seriously Cespedes for a two month rental, the A’s pitching was already good enough. They should not have sacrificed a middle of the order hitter. Great move for boston, Lester is a rental while Cespedes will impact the lineup every day for several more years.

    Reply
    • pastlives

      11 years ago

      for next year. he’s a free agent after next year.

      Reply
      • Cubstein

        11 years ago

        Baseball reference suggests he is still controlled after his contract expires because of service time. Could be wrong.

        Reply
        • pastlives

          11 years ago

          He’s not, I think that’s a mistake on BR, or maybe their system just doesn’t compute the 4 year contract thing.

          Reply
          • Cubstein

            11 years ago

            You can sign a contract and still run into service time issues. Not sure how it affects international players though. For instance Schierholtz signed a free agent contract with the Cubs last year after being non-tendered by SF. After the one year contract, Cubs maintained service time rights on him and he had to go through arbitration.

            Reply
            • Dave Y.

              11 years ago

              Yes, normally players are under control for 6 years. However, when Cespedes signed he signed for 4 years, which normally would mean arbitration the two years after, but it states in his contract that if he does not have a contract 5 days after the 2015 season ends, then he becomes a free agent. So, Cespedes is only under contract through the 2015 season, and will have to be given a new contract by the Red Sox or will be a free agent after 2015. Most teams were not willing to include that in the contract but the A’s did which was one of the reason he signed there because he wanted a short term deal of four years.

              Reply
        • pastlives

          11 years ago

          He’s not, I think that’s a mistake on BR, or maybe their system just doesn’t compute the 4 year contract thing.

          Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      I don’t know if the A’s pitching was “already good enough”
      Chavez is about to reach his innings peak and could unravel any minute. Gray will likely tire, and who knows about Kazmir tiring as well.

      Reply
  57. MB923

    11 years ago

    “Oakland is also sending a competitive balance draft pick to the A’s in the trade,”

    Is that supposed to say Boston is sending it to the A’s or Oakland is sending it to the Red Sox?

    Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      Well Oakland is the only one that has such a pick out of the two.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        As I said to Cubstein, sometimes these picks and trades and new CBA rules can be quite confusing.

        Reply
    • MeowMeow

      11 years ago

      Well Oakland is the only one that has such a pick out of the two.

      Reply
    • Cubstein

      11 years ago

      Not sure if this is sarcasm but Boston does not get a competitive balance pick to trade away.

      EDIT: I see the typo now. A’s sending a pick to themselves. I assume since Boston doesn’t get a pick it’s supposed to be A’s traded away to Boston.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        Well I didn’t know that. All of these balance picks and new CBA rules can get quite confusing some time.

        Reply
    • Cubstein

      11 years ago

      Not sure if this is sarcasm but Boston does not get a competitive balance pick to trade away.

      EDIT: I see the typo now. A’s sending a pick to themselves. I assume since Boston doesn’t get a pick it’s supposed to be A’s traded away to Boston.

      Reply
  58. bravo_84

    11 years ago

    Did somebody promise the A’s a new stadium if they won the series this year??

    Reply
  59. Michael 27

    11 years ago

    Cespedes will be 29 years old next year, and is a 2-3 win player. He’s not the young stud you guys are making him out to be…

    Reply
    • paqza

      11 years ago

      Agreed, but at the same time, he’s still the best OF option the team has right now for 2015.

      Reply
  60. Michael 27

    11 years ago

    Cespedes will be 29 years old next year, and is a 2-3 win player. He’s not the young stud you guys are making him out to be…

    Reply
  61. Ron Greenawalt

    11 years ago

    What an overspend ty Billie for pricing all the other small market teams out for the rest of the trade season

    Reply
  62. Ron Loreski

    11 years ago

    “Oakland is also sending a competitive balance draft pick to the A’s in the trade”

    “Jonny Gomes and Yoenis Cespedes will head to Boston”

    You need some coffee Steve.

    Reply
  63. KJ4realz

    11 years ago

    Holy wow. Did not see this. Wonder if the a’s will try to re-sign Lester. Damn. I like this for Boston

    Reply
  64. Tyler Claus Coners

    11 years ago

    why Cespedes?

    Reply
  65. nbgiant25

    11 years ago

    Oakland is sending a competitive draft pick to itself?

    I know you’re trying to get this stuff up quickly, but you’ve got to be better than that…

    Reply
  66. nbgiant25

    11 years ago

    Oakland is sending a competitive draft pick to itself?

    I know you’re trying to get this stuff up quickly, but you’ve got to be better than that…

    Reply
  67. tmengd

    11 years ago

    So can we expect the dominoes to start falling on pitchers afters this trade? I am glad it happened early in the day so there is plenty of time for more trades 🙂

    Reply
    • stl_cards16

      11 years ago

      I’m not sure what other dominoes there are to fall? Price and Hamels seem unlikely to be moved.

      Reply
  68. MeowMeow

    11 years ago

    I have a lot of feelings right now. Guess I’ll be rooting hard for the A’s this October

    Reply
    • DarthMurph

      11 years ago

      M’s all the way!!!

      Reply
  69. rillyboy

    11 years ago

    not sure Boston won a lot on that one. Especially because Cespedes will eat some kind of money that could have been proposed to Lester this offseason. Yanks will jump in on Lester for sure!
    Edit: sounds different wit the draft pick…

    Reply
  70. Todd Smith

    11 years ago

    I kind of hope Oakland makes a trade for David Price now, just to see that rotation together.

    Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      using what pieces? Lester?

      Reply
    • Alex 18

      11 years ago

      What for? Their rotation is now Shark, Lester, Gray, Kazmir, Hammel.. That’s insane.

      Reply
  71. Michael 27

    11 years ago

    Let’s be clear. Beane was going to trade Cespedes this winter anyways. He’s really not that amazing

    Reply
  72. Phishfan52

    11 years ago

    Cespedes is one of most overrated players in the league. But if thats the best deal you can get you have to do it.

    Reply
  73. tesseract

    11 years ago

    Gomes will go to Oakland right? it says Boston

    Reply
  74. Frank Griffin

    11 years ago

    You guys need to slow down and proof-read your post. The A’s can’t send a CB draft pick to themselves. They also can’t trade Gomes to Boston, since he’s being traded the other way.

    Reply
  75. cjr45

    11 years ago

    Steve get some coffee quick before your next post.

    Reply
  76. cubs7691

    11 years ago

    Billy Beane aint playing around this year.

    Reply
  77. ugotrpk3113

    11 years ago

    It’s worth thinking about… If the ownership doesn’t want to pay large contracts, does having a very good OF at good value help ease their worries about offering Lester a larger contract? Especially if this fills a big hole in the organization (LF/RF).

    Reply
  78. Derpy

    11 years ago

    So Lester really had practically no trade value then?

    Reply
  79. Jeff McCoy

    11 years ago

    Steve, you may want to change the post read that Oakland is sending the pick to the RED SOX and that Jonny Gomes is going to the A’s, not the Red Sox.

    Reply
  80. Mikenmn

    11 years ago

    Cespedes and a competitive balance pick? shocking. What is going on in Oakland? Something in the water?

    Reply
  81. Sam Froomkin

    11 years ago

    Yes, folks, we get it, there’s a typo.

    Reply
  82. AstrosWS20

    11 years ago

    Gomes going to Boston? Oakland is sending a competitive balance pick to the A’s? Get your stuff together MLBTradeRumors.

    Reply
  83. javywoz

    11 years ago

    Beane has a great legacy of keeping Oakland competitive for a long time, but at some point, some time, you have to go for it. All those years in Oakland now and zero World Series titles. He’s giving them a great chance this year.

    Reply
  84. JR 4

    11 years ago

    This day and age is horrible. Don’t try to break a story unless you proof read and get it right. So much is wrong with how this is written. Oakland is sending their own pick to themselves as well as dealing a player they do not even have …

    Reply
    • DarthMurph

      11 years ago

      Wait for tomorrow’s paper if you don’t want a breaking story right when it happens.

      Reply
  85. OUTFOXEM

    11 years ago

    Horrible for Cespedes. Came into the league with the A’s and was thriving, contributing to the best record in baseball night in and night out. Then he wakes up and is in last place in the AL East.

    Sad.

    Reply
    • sdsny

      11 years ago

      True. Player feelings are never considered when this time of year comes though. Part of the business.

      Reply
      • OUTFOXEM

        11 years ago

        I know, but it’s still rough to see that happen to a big name player. It will be especially hard for him if the A’s win it all.

        But I guess i shouldn’t feel too bad for him after all that. He’s making 10 million a year, so I’m sure he’ll be just fine.

        Reply
  86. dc21892

    11 years ago

    As a Sox fan I love this move way more than a deal that would have landed prospects. I’m going to miss Lester, but adding this bat for a player you were most likely going to lose is a great move.

    Reply
    • Jim Johnson

      11 years ago

      You’d rather have a year and a half of a .767 OPS player?

      Reply
      • dc21892

        11 years ago

        With the talent to be a superstar over middle of the pack prospects? Absolutely

        Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          Not a superstar, slightly above average outfielder. Don’t forget he is 28 in Cuban years.

          Reply
        • Jim Johnson

          11 years ago

          But middle of the pack prospects aren’t what Boston was asking for, and sure isnt what their fans thought they were going to get. They thought they were getting 2 elite prospects. Elite prospects are usually guys with the talent to be a superstar.
          Instead what you got was a year and two months of a guy who, whatever talent he might have, since his rookie year, has basically been average.

          Reply
        • Jim Johnson

          11 years ago

          But middle of the pack prospects aren’t what Boston was asking for, and sure isnt what their fans thought they were going to get. They thought they were getting 2 elite prospects. Elite prospects are usually guys with the talent to be a superstar.
          Instead what you got was a year and two months of a guy who, whatever talent he might have, since his rookie year, has basically been average.

          Reply
  87. RiffRaff4U

    11 years ago

    Cespedes is on suicide watch………first to last.

    Reply
  88. Zac R.

    11 years ago

    Can people actually talk about the trade itself rather then the “typo”. Getting old.

    Reply
    • OppoPower

      11 years ago

      You’re talking about it.

      Reply
  89. levendis

    11 years ago

    great trade for both teams. Boston gets an outfielder they desperately needed, that should excel in Fenway. The As get a front line starter they desperately needed to make some noise in the playoffs. Guys like Colon (from last year) and Kazmir, who pitch like aces, but really aren’t aces, can only take you so far. There is no dominant team this year, the As are pouncing on that opportunity to win it all, its admirable.

    Reply
    • Guest 3664

      11 years ago

      Lester isn’t an ace either.

      Reply
      • OppoPower

        11 years ago

        I beg to differ. Who exactly is a number one starter then?

        Reply
      • Better

        11 years ago

        Yes he is, he’s now Oakland’s best SP.

        Reply
      • levendis

        11 years ago

        yes he is. Is he Kershaw? no. But make no mistake about it he’s an ace for some time now. And lets not sneeze at his postseason record 6-4 2.11 ERA 1.04 WHIP (3-0 with a sub .5 ERA in the world series)

        Reply
  90. tonythered

    11 years ago

    Did I read that right? Cespedes and Gomes headed to Boston? Really?

    Reply
    • fisk72

      11 years ago

      You read it wrong.

      Reply
      • tonythered

        11 years ago

        Nope, I didn’t.
        “In what will be a blockbuster deal, Jonny Gomes and Yoenis Cespedes will head to Boston. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports…”

        Reply
  91. robbyb

    11 years ago

    Hammel or milone have to be gone soon.

    Reply
    • Tim Richer

      11 years ago

      I thought for sure Milone would be in this deal.

      Reply
    • TRAPstar

      11 years ago

      Bucs could use Milone. Hammell could be valuable to the Cards or Braves

      Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      We’ll take Hammel back in Colorado. Loved him here. Have some nice hitters to choose from.

      Reply
  92. Dan Nys.

    11 years ago

    Cardinals trade for Cespy?

    Reply
    • Dan Nys.

      11 years ago

      Allen Craig, Stephen Piscotty, Marco Gonzales for Cespedes?

      Reply
  93. AstrosWS20

    11 years ago

    A’s got robbed in this deal. They are going for broke this year. There’s no doubt that Lester, Gray and Szymajida (sp?) will be an amazingly tough three headed monster to beat in a 5 or 7 game series. The only question is, will they be able to score enough runs?

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Robbed is too strong. Cespedes actually isn’t that great, home run titles notwithstanding.

      Reply
      • Better

        11 years ago

        I think the Sox got robbed

        Reply
    • Brucellosis

      11 years ago

      Marlin Byrd’s there for the taking…

      Reply
  94. Baseball Legend

    11 years ago

    This is a very odd trade for the Red Sox. I’m not entirely sure I agree with the posters on here that the “Red Sox clearly won this trade.” In fact, I’d argue, that the A’s really did well here. Yoenis, is only signed through next season, which accomplishes absolutely nothing for the Red Sox since their team next year is prospect based. You mean to tell me, their best trade chip, and this is what they produce. Very strange and I have to wonder if they turn around and flip Cespedes and keep the competitive draft pick. I would have rather taken a single high end prospect.

    And for those asking:

    “Yoenis Cespedes Signing Reactions

    By Ben Nicholson-Smith [February 13, 2012 at 4:45pm CDT]

    The Athletics made an unexpected move today, agreeing to terms with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on a four-year, $36MM contract. The agreement allows him to hit free agency after the 2015 season.”

    Reply
    • robbyb

      11 years ago

      Flip Cespedes?

      Reply
      • Seamaholic

        11 years ago

        Yep. Look for it at next year’s trade deadline unless the Sox are good next year, unexpectedly.

        Reply
    • Jim Johnson

      11 years ago

      Def. a win for Oakland. The Red Sox and their fans thought they were getting at least two elite prospects for Lester. Instead they got a year and a half of an average outfielder.

      Reply
      • mantistoboggan47

        11 years ago

        My thoughts as well. I am not sure what Cespedes adds to a mediocre team other than another win or two.

        Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          They probably lose 3 wins easily by trading Lester, so it’s a net loss for this season. Plus they are sending “cash”?

          Reply
          • mantistoboggan47

            11 years ago

            Yeah, I just do not get it. If he was under contract for the next 6 years maybe it is a good deal.

            Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          They probably lose 3 wins easily by trading Lester, so it’s a net loss for this season. Plus they are sending “cash”?

          Reply
      • Baseball Legend

        11 years ago

        It makes no sense whatsoever. Now that I had a few minutes to digest this, I have absolutely no idea what the Red Sox are doing. They are A++ in drafting. They are D- in trades. This has been their issue for years.

        Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          That trade with the Dodgers worked out pretty good.

          Reply
          • Baseball Legend

            11 years ago

            That was more Dodgers than Red Sox brilliance. It was a team that just exited a horrible period and needed a bold move.

            Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          That trade with the Dodgers worked out pretty good.

          Reply
        • Remember92

          11 years ago

          I think this shows loud and clear that the Dodgers, Pirates, Cardinals, or whomever just didn’t want to give up one or two A+ propsects for a rental. They can flip him next year or offer him a QO and get an additional comp pick along with the competetive balance pick they just received. So that’s two picks in the top 40 the next two years to try to hit pay dirt from their scouts.

          Reply
          • Baseball Legend

            11 years ago

            Hmmm. Seems like a somewhat backwards way of doing it. I agree, that’s the likely result, it’s just taking the long way around.

            Reply
          • Baseball Legend

            11 years ago

            Hmmm. Seems like a somewhat backwards way of doing it. I agree, that’s the likely result, it’s just taking the long way around.

            Reply
  95. Nathan Boley

    11 years ago

    I said yesterday it would have taken a blockbuster for me to be happy the Pirates didn’t trade for Lester. I’m pretty happy right now.

    Reply
    • onemanrevival

      11 years ago

      Agreed. If they got Cespedes from Oakland, it probably would’ve taken Marte and Pedro + just to begin the discussion with us.

      Reply
      • Mike Adamson

        11 years ago

        Way overrating Cespedes…. Who is a FA next year.

        Reply
      • Baseball Legend

        11 years ago

        Wow. That’s seriously overvaluing Cespedes.

        Reply
  96. coldgoldenfalstaff

    11 years ago

    Can’t see why the A’s would do this, unless Lester re-signs. Which is pretty much impossible.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Trying to win this year. Putting everything on their number and praying everyone stays healthy for 2 more months (and they can score enough runs to win three series).

      Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      11 years ago

      Beane doesn’t care, he smells championship!
      Plus, he might sign that guy Castillo to replace the loss of Cespedes.

      Darn, that Beane!

      Reply
  97. mike 81

    11 years ago

    Oakland needs to make a run at Utley now.

    Reply
  98. sdsny

    11 years ago

    Alright, all the internet editors are having a field day. We all know what the deal actually is. Give MLBTR a break, they’re probably working pretty hard today.

    Reply
    • sourbob

      11 years ago

      Actually we didn’t know what the deal was. The Gomes error wasn’t confusing. But the competitive balance one made the while thing unclear.

      Reply
    • OppoPower

      11 years ago

      I can definitely say that maybe they are, too.

      Reply
  99. InvalidUserID 2

    11 years ago

    “Banners fly forever” but this is a clear win for the Red Sox. They turn a question mark in the off-season into a productive bat under team control.

    Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      Under team control for one season.

      Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      Under team control for one season.

      Reply
  100. Rally Weimaraner

    11 years ago

    Wow definitely didn’t see this coming!

    Reply
  101. FishFan03

    11 years ago

    With Lester now in Oakland, hopefully the Marlins can pull off a trade for Tommy Milone

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      Milone for Marlon Byrd or one of the other right-handed hitters currently available on the trade market to replace Cespedes’ bat? How about Carlos Beltran (switch-hitter) and a lot of cash (all of the money that he is due this season, plus another $20MM to cover 2/3 of the $30MM that is due him in 2015 and 2016) for Milone?

      Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      I forgot that the As got Gomes in that deal. How about Milone and Gomes, who could platoon with Ichiro in RF, for Beltran and the aforementioned cash? Beltran is a huge postseason performer.

      Reply
      • Alex Foltz

        11 years ago

        I’d do that, provided enough cash comes through. Mostly because of Beltran’s playoff bat.

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          11 years ago

          I will pay Beltran’s contract for the remainder of this season and pay $20MM of the $30MM that he is due in 2015 and 2016. Is that enough cash?

          Reply
          • Alex Foltz

            11 years ago

            I saw that part. My “provided enough cash comes through” part was mostly because the A’s don’t like to spend much, so who knows how much they have to spend moving forward.
            Although, the $10mil left on Beltrans after that deal would offset the $10.5mil that is freed up moving Cespedes.

            Reply
            • Bertin Lefkovic

              11 years ago

              So do we have a deal?

              Reply
  102. Remember92

    11 years ago

    WIth Cespedes being a free agent after next year. Do the Sox try to extend him or flip him next summer? Interesting

    Reply
    • OhioSox 2

      11 years ago

      He is under contractual control through 2017.

      Reply
      • Remember92

        11 years ago

        He has an out in his contract since he played in Cuba. He is a free agent after 2015 per the obscure rule of playing in Cuba or Japan previously.

        Reply
        • OhioSox 2

          11 years ago

          Yep — Just read that right after I typed that. Read somewhere that he had 2017 control but I guess they left out that important out clause nugget.

          Reply
    • Red Socks

      11 years ago

      Will depend how their young guys (Bogaerts, Betts, Bradley, Cecchini, Vasquez, Ranaudo, Webster, RDLR, Matt Barnes, Henry Owens etc) are going, and whether they’re in contention

      Reply
  103. mkp

    11 years ago

    Only time will tell if it’s good for the a’s. My gut reaction however is that its a horrible trade for then. Rent a pitcher for not even half a season in exchange for a young player you can have as a cornerstone for years to come

    Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      cornerstone for *year* to come. He’s a FA after 2015 season.

      Reply
      • mkp

        11 years ago

        Year, assuming they wont resign him. At least it’s a year longer than lester will be there

        Reply
        • Chris Lattier

          11 years ago

          I’d rather have a better shot at winning the World Series this year than just have Cespedes around for 2015.

          Reply
  104. robbyb

    11 years ago

    I keep thinking the Os should trade Cruz. he has fizzled and could net a decent SP.. On the other hand, I also worry about their offense.

    Reply
  105. Zac R.

    11 years ago

    I think the Sox did good on this deal. They needed both an OF and a player with power and Cespedes fits both needs. The Monster should also fit perfectly with this swing. For the A’s, they’re going for it now and why not bring in one of the best playoff performers.

    Reply
  106. SierraM363

    11 years ago

    So much for the Red Sox not getting anything for a rental

    Reply
    • Mike Adamson

      11 years ago

      They got another rental. Which buys them a year to do the same thing. Nice trade but not sure it’s better than getting top prospects. Unless they resign Cespedes.

      Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        or they package him with some other pieces. Who know where they’ll be in a year.

        Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        or they package him with some other pieces. Who know where they’ll be in a year.

        Reply
      • yewed

        11 years ago

        that’s what i thought. If they don’t resign Cespedes or Lester
        they basically traded Lester and Gomes for 2 draft picks.

        Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        11 years ago

        If Cespedes is as good as I think that he will be in Fenway over the next two months, possibly getting the Red Sox back into playoff contention, there is no doubt in my mind that they sign him to a very long-term extension this offseason. This is an OK deal for Oakland, a phenomenal deal for Boston, and a terrible deal for the rest of the AL East.

        Reply
  107. ztoa

    11 years ago

    How is it that RAJ couldn’t figure out a way to send Byrd and Lee or Byrd & Hamels for Cespedes?

    Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      RAJ would have had to eat 80% of Hamels or Lee’s salary for a player only signed through 2015 in Cespedes. That would have been an awful deal for the Phils.

      Reply
    • northsfbay

      11 years ago

      The A’s wouldn’t want Hamels contract. Why the would the Philies want a rental like Cespendes?

      Reply
      • ztoa

        11 years ago

        Look at the Phils prospects… not an OF in sight, especially a power bat from the right side. They’d lock Cespedes up. If RAJ had been trying almost anything to get Stanton for the past few years, why would he not want Cespedes?

        Reply
    • Phillyfan425

      11 years ago

      I like Cespedes. But the Sox gave up two 2 month rentals for him (and Cespedes is only under contract for 1.33 season). You’re talking about Phillies giving up 3-7 years of control for 1.33 seasons of Cespedes. How does that make them any better 2-3 years down the road?

      Reply
      • ztoa

        11 years ago

        They’d obviously attempt to extend him.

        Reply
        • Phillyfan425

          11 years ago

          Ok, so attempt to sign him when he hits FA next offseason. He does no good to you before 2016, so why bother trading pieces who can bring you future value for a guy who you can sign in 1.5 years?

          Reply
          • ztoa

            11 years ago

            Eh I guess, I thought Cespedes was a little younger, but really I’d rather have the Hitter than the Pitcher, since Cole counts for 24 MM until 2019.

            Reply
  108. Quikmix

    11 years ago

    if the A’s don’t win the world series, people are going to be second guessing this season’s trades for a long while. That said, Oakland has got to be the heavy favorites to win it all.

    Reply
    • JJ 4

      11 years ago

      They still have Samaradzija, Kazmir, and Gray in 2015 and most of the roster.

      Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      I won’t second guess it. This is “our” year as an A’s fan, and I’m glad we are going all in.
      It’s just gonna hurt really bad if “we” don’t win the WS, because it will be a LONG rebuild.

      Reply
  109. Jack Miller

    11 years ago

    I was upset that we were going to lose Lester…. now I’m a lot more satisfied, prospects are hit or miss but this guy could develop into a top ten player in the game. Now to find a way to bring Iglesias back.

    Reply
  110. Juve1216

    11 years ago

    It’s a good deal for both teams. A’s get Lester with veteran presence and playoff experience at the top the rotation and Boston get Cespedes who gives David Ortiz protection in the lineup and also will be there for the full 2015 season.

    Reply
    • Juve1216

      11 years ago

      Also with a surplus of starting pitching, Bean can trade for an extra bat.

      Reply
  111. thebiggestever

    11 years ago

    I like this trade for both sides. Didn’t realize how overrated Cespedes is. Good player, but damn…..

    Reply
  112. Jack Miller

    11 years ago

    I was upset that we were going to lose Lester…. now I’m a lot more satisfied, prospects are hit or miss but this guy could develop into a top ten player in the game. Now to find a way to bring Iglesias back.

    Reply
    • Better

      11 years ago

      Iglesias? I prefer X or Marrero

      Reply
      • Jack Miller

        11 years ago

        Xander is a third baseman now. Iglesias could hit .240 and I would be happy because he is one of if not the best defensive shortstops in the game.

        Reply
    • Mochi

      11 years ago

      Cespedes is a free agent after next year. He’s gonna be pretty expensive.

      Reply
      • Jack Miller

        11 years ago

        Sox have always been good with the guys who sell jerseys, Papi, Pedroia, Varitek

        Reply
    • tune-in for baseball

      11 years ago

      How about we sent you Iglesias back for Cespedes.lol

      Reply
      • Jack Miller

        11 years ago

        Very funny. I would send you guys someone like Miller for Iglesias and a PTBNL.

        Reply
  113. Robby L. Sklarz

    11 years ago

    People are really in love with Cespedes despite pretty mediocre numbers this year. He will probably have a field day with the green monster though and his arm is clearly overkill for left field at Fenway.

    Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      Him and JBJ in the outfield. No more sac flies against the Sox.

      Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      If the Red Sox are smart, they will play Cespedes in RF.

      Reply
      • Better

        11 years ago

        I’m pretty sure we just learned they’re not smart…

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          11 years ago

          I wholeheartedly disagree. This deal is going to be a game-changer for the Red Sox. As is, I was nervous about them trading Lester for Kemp, but Cespedes in Fenway scares me even more.

          Reply
  114. disqus_550Cx2R593

    11 years ago

    Good for Boston, but good for Oakland if they feel they are in a “win now” position.

    Reply
  115. airohpue13

    11 years ago

    If the comp pick and Cespedes is all Oakland is giving up then Oakland wins this deal. Cespedes isn’t a “young” player and he really hasn’t lived up to the hype yet. Let’s not forget that Oakland is essentially getting a first round pick in next years draft as well.

    Reply
    • snowles

      11 years ago

      how is Oakland getting essentially a first round pick?

      Reply
    • snowles

      11 years ago

      how is Oakland getting essentially a first round pick?

      Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Pick’s going the other way.

      Reply
      • airohpue13

        11 years ago

        Ya, the comp pick is. Once Oakland offers Lester a qualifying offer in the offseason and he declines they will get the first round pick from whoever signs him.

        Reply
        • snowles

          11 years ago

          Can’t offer QO for mid-season trades as of last CBA

          Reply
          • airohpue13

            11 years ago

            Ahh. I didn’t realize that. Fair trade for both sides then and it’s a win for Lester because there won’t be a pick associated with signing him.

            Reply
  116. ugotrpk3113

    11 years ago

    Also – Can you image Gomes in LF at the Colosseum? Man will that be fun.

    Reply
    • JJ 4

      11 years ago

      Why do I need to imagine? He was there two years ago

      Reply
      • ugotrpk3113

        11 years ago

        I stand corrected.

        Reply
  117. jayf

    11 years ago

    Boston won this deal! A two month rental for a big bat!

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Not that big. Check his numbers.

      Reply
      • tune-in for baseball

        11 years ago

        True but he can bounce several balls off of the Wall in Boston. Will lead the league in 2015 for the longest singles because he hits it too hard to get doubles.

        Reply
    • snowbladerp14

      11 years ago

      for 1 year

      Reply
  118. coreybishop

    11 years ago

    Looks like the A’s have an opening for BJ Upton now………. 😀

    Reply
  119. bigbadjohnny

    11 years ago

    Oakland looking to win it all this year.

    Reply
  120. PaulLePageDynasty

    11 years ago

    Congratulations to Oakland.

    ~Red Sox fan

    Reply
    • vtncsc

      11 years ago

      Lester will be back. I think Boston comes out on top here.

      Reply
  121. PaulLePageDynasty

    11 years ago

    Congratulations to Oakland.

    ~Red Sox fan

    Reply
  122. Metsfan93

    11 years ago

    Another good thing here is that Oakland potentially swept the pitching market. It’s no guarantee anyone else gets traded, so for all the benefits Oakland gets, its also worth noting that nobody else is improving their pitching. Seattle and the Angels especially could use another pitcher, plus Toronto and Baltimore were supposedly in on Lester..

    Reply
  123. Curt Green

    11 years ago

    Awesome! Look out Detroit.

    Reply
    • bobbleheadguru

      11 years ago

      Cespedes was a nightmare v. the Tigers.
      Tigers were 1-1 v. Lester in the ALCS.

      I like the deal in terms of a potential match up with the Tigers.

      Reply
      • tune-in for baseball

        11 years ago

        Tigers 2-0 against Lester in regular season

        Reply
  124. MeowMeow

    11 years ago

    Given the stipulation about the contract on Cespedes, this is a terrible deal for Boston. We get one year of Cespedes and a worse draft pick than we would’ve gotten if we had just done the QO thing?

    Reply
    • OhioSox 2

      11 years ago

      Potentially two draft picks with Yoenis leaving after a QO…trying to look at the bright side haha

      Reply
      • snowles

        11 years ago

        “Only players who have been with their clubs for the entire season will be eligible for compensation.”

        Reply
        • d-blaqueqq

          11 years ago

          2015?

          Reply
          • snowles

            11 years ago

            I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s traded again before the end of the day 🙂 But yeah, he will get the QO offer after next year, though it’s more likely to be a long-term deal instead.

            Reply
            • d-blaqueqq

              11 years ago

              Yoenis + Lackey + Prospects= ???

              Reply
              • Better

                11 years ago

                Hopefully me feeling better about Lester leaving…only 1 guy makes that happen

                Reply
        • OhioSox 2

          11 years ago

          Yoenis is a FA after the 2015 season, IF, he opts out.

          Reply
          • snowles

            11 years ago

            Good call, I thought the opt-out was this fall.

            Reply
            • OhioSox 2

              11 years ago

              Thank God it isn’t haha otherwise this would have been a massive fail of a trade.

              Reply
        • DempseyK

          11 years ago

          Cespedes is locked through next year also, so he will fetch a comp pick if he signs with a different team during the 2015-2016 off season.

          Reply
      • tune-in for baseball

        11 years ago

        A good chance to sign Lester this winter, too.

        Reply
    • vtncsc

      11 years ago

      Maybe he’ll enjoy his stay, do well, and Red Sox will sign him?

      Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      Why is this bad? They move a guy who is facing free agency anyway, in a lost season. For all we know, they have a gentleman’s agreement to re-sign Lester in the offseason and now they have gained Cespedes essentially for nothing.

      Reply
      • Better

        11 years ago

        I like the way you think

        Reply
      • MeowMeow

        11 years ago

        What the A’s will get out of Lester this season and postseason is way more than what the Sox will get out of Cespedes. Lester was worth way more than this alone, and we gave them a lefty-killer too?

        Reply
      • Baseball Legend

        11 years ago

        I have to admit, so people are putting way too much stock in Lester’s comment on “possibly going back.” I’d say there is a greater than 70% chance he signs elsewhere at this point. There will be nearly 15 teams clamoring for his services. Even smaller market teams like the Royals could be players and the Red Sox will twiddle their thumbs and maybe offer less.

        Reply
        • Better

          11 years ago

          IMO, it’s 50% Red Sox and 50% somewhere else. They’ll offer big money, he wants to be there, it’s familiar…

          Reply
      • Baseball Legend

        11 years ago

        I have to admit, so people are putting way too much stock in Lester’s comment on “possibly going back.” I’d say there is a greater than 70% chance he signs elsewhere at this point. There will be nearly 15 teams clamoring for his services. Even smaller market teams like the Royals could be players and the Red Sox will twiddle their thumbs and maybe offer less.

        Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      Exactly. I see your avatar, so you’re a Red Sox fan and you’re thinking correctly. At this very moment, there has to be another trade in the works to flip Cespedes. There is a dearth of power bats this season and pretty good demand. Perhaps another team couldn’t match up with the A’s so the Red Sox made this move with advance knowledge they had a taker elsewhere. It’s a backwards way of doing it, but not unprecedented. Still though, on paper, this makes no sense whatsoever and the more and more time I have to digest this, I have to ask.

      Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      Yep, makes you wonder if Cespedes will be going to another team before 4pm est

      Reply
    • yewed

      11 years ago

      We also sent money for the Pick. So now we traded Lester and Gomes
      for 1 yr. of Cespedes and a comp pick if he leaves. Makes no sense.

      Reply
    • oleosmirf 2

      11 years ago

      They can trade him in the offseason where his AL East boosted numbers will make him more valuable.

      Reply
  125. bigbadjohnny

    11 years ago

    A’s gave away allot for Samardzija.

    Reply
  126. northsfbay

    11 years ago

    Are the Red Sox going to resign Cespedes? Why would the Red Sox trade a rental for a rental. Lester is gone. The Red Sox don’t want to give him a big contract.

    Reply
  127. DempseyK

    11 years ago

    This move is shocking to me, the A’s dump a quality middle of the order bat in the midst of a serious playoff run for a rental player (although um sure Lester will more than do his part from here on out for Oakland) plus give up a competitve balance pick?!?!?! I admire Billy’s guts to go for broke in an effort to win the world series, but im just not sure that this move truly puts them in a better position. Something else that hasnt been mentioned is the effect this will have on the A’s clubhouse…to the best of my knowledge, Cespedes was a clubhouse favorite to many guys on this team…I just dont know what type of message you are sending along with “we want to win now”

    Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      They needed to go into “win now” mode some day. The A’s have been just short so many times over the last 13 years, they can only look to the future for so long. I love this for Billy Beane and if they win a ring this way, Moneyball gets turned upside down

      Reply
  128. Ned L

    11 years ago

    Who takes Cespedes’ spot in the lineup? Is there a part 2 today for Oakland, perhaps another hitter?

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      I hope so, that’s a big hole.

      Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        11 years ago

        Gomes against lefties. Do they have a platoon partner for him?

        Reply
        • Red Socks

          11 years ago

          Moss and Vogt against righties, Gomes and Reddick v lefties?

          Reply
        • mlbaustin

          11 years ago

          More than likely Vogt playing 1B with Moss in LF against righties. Moss at 1B and Gomes in LF or DH against lefties.

          Reply
      • Ned L

        11 years ago

        I smell another trade coming today for a hitter…..

        Reply
        • mlbaustin

          11 years ago

          Agreed

          Reply
  129. GoFish

    11 years ago

    Looks like SOMEONE is trying to win and get a new stadium deal as a reward..

    Reply
  130. GoFish

    11 years ago

    Looks like SOMEONE is trying to win and get a new stadium deal as a reward..

    Reply
    • northsfbay

      11 years ago

      The A’s can build a privately financed stadium in Oakland any time they want. You can forget about public money for a stadium in the Bay Area.

      Reply
    • northsfbay

      11 years ago

      The A’s can build a privately financed stadium in Oakland any time they want. You can forget about public money for a stadium in the Bay Area.

      Reply
  131. bobbyo04 2

    11 years ago

    ok….let’s start w/ the Cespy + prospects to Stanton in off-season rumors. Actually might even make some sense now.

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      There’s only one season left on Cespedes’ contract. I don’t think that appeeals to the Marlins.

      Reply
    • Tvators

      11 years ago

      That didnt take very long, so explain why the Marlins would trade staton for a 29 yr old free agent to be?

      Reply
      • oleosmirf 2

        11 years ago

        He is not a FA to be…

        Reply
        • Cory Charles Allen

          11 years ago

          FA after 2015 has an opt-out clause that allows him to bypass arbitration

          Reply
          • oleosmirf 2

            11 years ago

            mea culpa.

            Reply
      • bobbyo04 2

        11 years ago

        I’m thinking he would be more inclined & affordable to re-sign than Stanton. Sox have plenty of good prospects and even some young major leaguers (Workman, Middlebrooks, etc) to include. This off-season would be good time to deal Stanton after solid season. Having someone like Cespy might be easier to sell this to fanbase, not that many care there. Agree it’s a long-shot but seeing that it’s also a long shot for Stanton to re-sign there, might be prudent for Miami to deal him.

        Reply
    • cjr45

      11 years ago

      Why do Red Sox fans have to turn every move into a trade proposal for Stanton?

      Reply
      • bobbyo04 2

        11 years ago

        We’re obsessed with getting him.

        Reply
  132. Eduardo Medina

    11 years ago

    So, Cespedes can kiss goodbye the playoff race this year…

    Reply
    • GrayhawkAZ

      11 years ago

      Unless they add some serious pitching… Probably next year also…

      Reply
    • Dan Nys.

      11 years ago

      Unless Boston Trades him ??? Cardinals anyone!

      Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      I wouldn’t be so sure. The AL East and 2nd WC is not locked up by any stretch of the imagination.

      Reply
    • oleosmirf 2

      11 years ago

      I’m sure he’ll be very happy seeing his numbers skyrocket in the AL East.

      Reply
      • Eduardo Medina

        11 years ago

        I guess the Green Monster will be good for him

        Reply
        • oleosmirf 2

          11 years ago

          so will Toronto, Yankee Stadium and Camden Yards.

          Great for fantasy owners.

          Reply
  133. Evan

    11 years ago

    How does anyone beat the A’s in the playoffs now? Also Cespedes isn’t that good. Gomes is a very near replacement especially for the platoon happy A’s. Definetly a good trade by the A’s, not saying that Boston lost either.

    Reply
  134. Evan

    11 years ago

    How does anyone beat the A’s in the playoffs now? Also Cespedes isn’t that good. Gomes is a very near replacement especially for the platoon happy A’s. Definetly a good trade by the A’s, not saying that Boston lost either.

    Reply
    • Alex Foltz

      11 years ago

      our hitters slump.

      Reply
      • Evan

        11 years ago

        Oakland isn’t build off hitting. In theory OBP never slumps. Even in a slump guys can walk. Also with that roation all you need is 2 runs a night. Even in a team wide slump thats easily possible.

        Reply
        • Spare Tire Dixon

          11 years ago

          I agree to some extent, but someone is going to have to drive in a few runs against that Detroit rotation.

          Reply
          • Red Socks

            11 years ago

            They just need timely hits, like last years Sox, felt like every game Detroit had a no-no alive in the 7th inning

            Reply
            • Spare Tire Dixon

              11 years ago

              Yes indeed.

              Reply
          • Evan

            11 years ago

            Ya cuz the Giants lineup was super amazing when they whooped the Tigers. The tigers choke every year. The only AL teams that have a chance imo are the Orioles who can win a one run ballgame because of their bullpen, or the Angels who if their offense catches fire at the right time, might have enough firepower to beat that rotation. Both are a long shot.

            Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          Too bad every playoff game isnt played in a simulation. Still see the tigers beating them in real life not in theory.

          Reply
    • Elsalvaje

      11 years ago

      Cespedes isn’t that good?? U know nothing about baseball, he’s a monster and hasn’t reach his peak yet, he has one of the best 5 tools raw in the game. In Boston he won’t hit less than 40 hr you’ll see. Plus arm, plus power, plus speed, plus defense, na he’s not that good lol.

      Reply
      • mantistoboggan47

        11 years ago

        Monster? He is 28 in Cuban years with a career .788 OPS.

        Reply
      • Evan

        11 years ago

        You didn’t bring up any points. How is he a monster? His stats have never suggested that he’s anything but a decent player. Potential doesn’t make someone a star, results do and he has yet to produce star like results.

        Reply
  135. John 60

    11 years ago

    If the A’s win the World Series, they are the winners of the trade no matter what happens. The only thing that matters is winning a championship, no matter what the cost.

    Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      They can’t both “win” the trade? I dont understand why it’s a mutually-exclusive sort of deal

      Reply
      • John 60

        11 years ago

        Well, I believe majority of fans look at all deals with a winner vs. loser mentality, and if that’s the case, then I believe a World Series trumps all.

        Reply
  136. Mochi

    11 years ago

    How exactly is this a great deal for the Sox? They wanted top prospects for Lester (at least their fans did). Instead they got a 28 year old outfielder that is a free agent after next season? I just don’t see the logic.

    Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      Fairly even with the contract situation. Maybe he won’t get to play a game for Boston and gets flipped to another team that needs a power bat this season.

      Reply
      • tune-in for baseball

        11 years ago

        Tigers???????

        Reply
  137. ugotrpk3113

    11 years ago

    Can someone please clear up whether he’s a FA after 2015 or arb eligible until 2018?

    Reply
    • mantistoboggan47

      11 years ago

      FA after 2015

      Reply
      • ugotrpk3113

        11 years ago

        I’m starting to dislike the trade a little…

        Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          Yeah, it is pretty horrible. Guessing Beane offered to put Cherington in his next movie.

          Reply
    • Jon 27

      11 years ago

      His contract allows him to become a FA after 2015 and skip the arbitration process.

      Reply
  138. sfes

    11 years ago

    A’s interested in Daniel Murphy now maybe?

    Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      That’s……not a bad idea

      Reply
  139. Spare Tire Dixon

    11 years ago

    I will never understand the whole ” won this deal” discussion. Why does there need to be a winner of a trade? If the A’s win the Series and the Sox re-sign Lester in the winter, isn’t that a win-win? If the A’s get eliminated in the ALDS and the Sox don’t re-sign Lester, is the trade any better/worse than it is today? That’s all hindsight. Right now, both teams filled a perceived need. Nothing more.

    Reply
    • mantistoboggan47

      11 years ago

      A’s won the trade.

      Reply
    • bobbyo04 2

      11 years ago

      Coudn’t agree more. GM’s (outside of Amaro) & successful people think in win-win terms. Seriously, who wants to deal w/ anyone who is trying to always get their way. The other thing is the GMs always think about short & long-term implications rather than who won the trade today. Guess it just makes for good reading (well…some of it).

      Reply
  140. oleosmirf 2

    11 years ago

    Just think about this. Billy Beane gave up a stud SS prospect in Addison Russell because he wanted Jason Hammel in the deal as well.

    Now because Hammel’s fluky season didn’t carry over in Oakland and he’s getting bombed, he was forced to then trade Cespedes for Lester.

    Reply
    • OhioSox 2

      11 years ago

      I would argue it was McKinney that was included for Hammel.

      Reply
      • schaddy24

        11 years ago

        Jim Bowden had a recent interview with Theo in which he said Hammel had to be included to get Russell. Either way, the Cubs certainly made out well in the long-term considering Hammel’s recent struggles and Sharks asking price.

        Reply
  141. Chris Harihar

    11 years ago

    This is a bad trade for the Red Sox, no? You have to base it on what they could have gotten, not what they got, I think. In that regard, they could have traded Lester for some high-level prospects (from another team) that might have contributed for years. Seems odd that they take on Cespedes which is such a nearsighted play.

    Reply
    • Red Socks

      11 years ago

      *might have contributed for years*

      *might have never contributed*

      They already have a top 3 farm system, they don’t really need any more lottery balls, they need known quantities

      Reply
      • Baseball Legend

        11 years ago

        That farm took a little backwards step this season. I don’t want to get into it now, but it hasn’t been all roses this year for the Sox farm.

        Reply
        • d-blaqueqq

          11 years ago

          Aren’t the Sea Dogs like 70-40?

          Reply
        • Better

          11 years ago

          Incorrect, the Red Sox system has been amazing this year. Expectations have been exceeded.

          Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          Yeah all of their prospects haven’t been doing great bradley has been promoted but isn’t doing well and Cecchini has been largely disappointing after a breakout season

          Reply
          • Terie54

            11 years ago

            Even Barnes and Ball have done bad

            Reply
      • mantistoboggan47

        11 years ago

        Top 3 farm system in new england or are we talking the entire country?

        Reply
      • GrayhawkAZ

        11 years ago

        Top 3 farm system?

        Reply
      • Chris Harihar

        11 years ago

        They could have got a top prospect and flipped it in another deal to address another area of need. You can never have too much of an overvalued asset like good prospects. They’re in high demand.

        Reply
        • fisk72

          11 years ago

          “another area of need” – their biggest need is a power hitting corner outfielder. They got Cespedes, exactly what they needed most.

          Reply
        • Red Socks

          11 years ago

          Or they could just do the trade they did, and address an area of need right away…

          Reply
          • Chris Harihar

            11 years ago

            Yes, Cespedes will now put the team back into contention. Dude, the trade was shortsighted. I’m sorry, I know you’re biased, but the A’s won.

            Reply
            • Red Socks

              11 years ago

              Because that’s exactly what I said… right?

              Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      Exactly. Even if they just got one (1) and only one (1) top 5 prospect out of anyones system, that would be a huge win. They get some immediate talent (meaning if they offered Lester a QO it would have been from next years draft and likely someone who couldn’t contribute until 2019/2020) and maybe contribute in 2016 or sooner. Very strange trade.

      Reply
    • Jim Johnson

      11 years ago

      But I think the problem is the Red Sox COULDN’T have gotten those prospects. There is this myth out there amongst Boston and Philly fans that their ace pitchers are worth “X.” But the problem is it appears as if NOBODY is willing to pay “X.” In the market place, you are only worth what somebody is willing to pay.
      Boston got exactly what it “could” have gotten.

      Reply
    • Zac R.

      11 years ago

      Boston wasn’t going to get those prospects and if they did, those prospects would most likely be used to acquire someone else. If the sox want to compete next year then they needed a guy who could make an impact right away. Also this team truly lacks power. They’re 23rd in the league in Home Runs. With Cespedes, he may not hit for a high avg. but the Monster should play very well into his game and he could easily be a 30 HR guy. Now if the sox can resign Lester, then they won’t be in bad shape. However if Lester doesn’t come back to Boston next year, this team is in trouble considering you’ll have Buch as your #1 (considering Lackey is traded as well) and a bunch of unproven rookies behind him.

      Reply
  142. GD

    11 years ago

    A’s worse nightmare for 2014:

    1. Felix tosses a CG shutout in a 1-game playoff versus the A’s, and Seattle miraculously finds ‘a little’ offense against the A’s to overtake the A’s for a playoff birth.

    2. Lester resigns with BoSox in November for $144m

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      #2 doesn’t matter because the A’s aren’t signing Lester regardless.

      Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        Yeah, I hope it the Sox. Could be the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, or your worst nightmare: the M’s.

        Reply
        • GD

          11 years ago

          No way they are resigning Lester. If I were the M’s I’d attempt to land Lackey now, and Seattle go all in signing Lester in the offseason:

          2015 Seattle Rotation:
          Felix
          Lester
          Iwakuma
          Lackey
          Young/Walker/Paxton

          Hell if I were Seattle this offseason I would throw Walker & Paxton in the same deal with other prospects for Stanton in 2015

          Reply
          • SierraM363

            11 years ago

            The Red Sox want a starter + prospects for Lackey. Who are you going to trade? Iwakuma?

            Reply
    • GD

      11 years ago

      A’s have wiped out their Farm for 2014. Beane is looking for a 2014 WS title prior to leaving.

      This is truly a desperate move to win it all in 2014, and after 2014 it’s going to be a LONG LONG LONG winning drought for the A’s for the next 10 years.

      Wow

      Reply
      • Hoosierdaddy92

        11 years ago

        Where exactly is Beane going? To replace Amaro in Philly?

        Reply
        • mantistoboggan47

          11 years ago

          Not sure, I thought he was under contract until 2019. Maybe if he wins the world series he will ascend or something.

          Reply
        • GD

          11 years ago

          Retiring after 2019. This is his last avail push for a WS title. He’s wiped out his farm system over the past several weeks. It’s all or nothing now in 2014.

          Reply
          • paqza

            11 years ago

            That doesn’t make much sense. The As are the best team in baseball and they’ve got plenty of fairly young, cost-controlled talent. This isn’t the 2011 dead-end Phillies we’re talking about.

            Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      2. Lester resigns with BoSox in November for $144m

      “but could have signed Lester in Spring 2014 for $6 years and $110MM following the signing of Homer Bailey.”

      Fixed that for you.

      Reply
  143. The_Porcupine

    11 years ago

    Now the A’s need to trade for some help in the outfield/DH to make up for the missing bat. Maybe Byrd, Rugiano, Joyce?

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      Zobrist?

      Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        He’d be a good fit for the A’s.

        Reply
        • MB923

          11 years ago

          And who would they give up? Gotta be someone on the active roster.

          Reply
          • d-blaqueqq

            11 years ago

            I’m not too familiar with the A’s, but maybe a pitcher if Price is moved.

            Reply
            • MB923

              11 years ago

              They have no top prospects. Their farm was one of the worst in baseball going into the season. Only top prospect they had in the top 100 was Russell. I think an A’s fan told me in the midseason rankings, someone went to around #76, but that isn’t getting Price.

              I assume you mean an active pitcher on the team though which wouldn’t make much sense.

              Reply
              • d-blaqueqq

                11 years ago

                They just traded Milone, never mind.

                Reply
    • oleosmirf 2

      11 years ago

      Chris Young again!!!!

      Reply
  144. Terie54

    11 years ago

    What are the Athletics doing they trade russel just because the cubs added hammel and hammel isn’t even that good and now they trade their best offensive player for Lester and a platoon corner outfielder

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      He’s the third best offensive player on the A’s.

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        still he drives in runs and is a great cleanup hitter they wont last long with gomes in the lineup instead of him

        Reply
        • mlbaustin

          11 years ago

          Yeah he’s a good hitter and not having him will hurt, but his spot is already filled with a guy who is hitting like .370 over 150 at bats since coming up from the minors. I like the trade for both teams. Gomes will platoon and help the clubhouse.

          Reply
  145. Jonathan Barlock

    11 years ago

    Brilliant move by the A’s! Id be quite surprised if they didnt win the World Series. They are my pick to win it all.

    Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      11 years ago

      The thing is though, Hammel has been not too good and I didn’t think Shark was that Sharp against the O’s. I really didn’t think his stuff was that electric.
      So, while they might have the best record in the league, they still have a ways to go.

      Reply
      • Jim Johnson

        11 years ago

        Shark looked good against the O’s, he just gave up two homers to one of the best home run hitting teams in baseball. That happens. But if the two teams played tomorrow, it’s far more likely the Orioles don’t hit two homers off of him than it is that they do.

        Reply
  146. Hoosierdaddy92

    11 years ago

    Tigers and A’s are neck in neck now, with slight pitching advantage to A’s but without Cespedes, I think the Tigers’ offense is much deeper than the A’s.

    Reply
    • bobbleheadguru

      11 years ago

      All depends on whether Verlander is THE Verlander. Porcello is better now too (at 25 years old, with 73 Wins under his belt).

      Reply
  147. Ned L

    11 years ago

    Maybe now Shark goes for a bat?

    Reply
    • oleosmirf 2

      11 years ago

      uh no lol

      Reply
  148. MB923

    11 years ago

    LOL, Sonny Gray just tweeted “Well I am awake”

    Reply
  149. I Believe We Can Win

    11 years ago

    Happy trade deadline everyone! What a way to kick this off.

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      Yeah hopefully the Rangers can deal Rios and Cotts for some good prospects

      Reply
      • Ned L

        11 years ago

        That’s asking for a lot, Cotts maybe, Rios doubtful.

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          Really if i think the Rangers will get a good prospect i think it would be for Rios

          Reply
          • Ned L

            11 years ago

            You might be right, but relievers always seem to pull in good value this time of year. And truthfully, I’m no fan of Rios so I tend to undervalue him.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              Rios’ average is good and the Rangers Are willing to eat salary so hopefully that will tempt other teams into trading him

              Reply
      • Todd Smith

        11 years ago

        Wonder if the A’s go after Rios to replace Cespedes.

        Reply
  150. Rally Weimaraner

    11 years ago

    While Lester is definitely a rotation upgrade I’m not convinced this move actually helps the A’s. They may have been better off simply replacing Hammel with Milone in the rotation and keeping Cespedece is the lineup.

    Reply
    • Bob Bunker

      11 years ago

      I think the A’s concern is counting on Kazmir(injury risk and could always fall of a cliff again) and Gray (innings limit and inexperience) vs. Scherzer/Sanchez/Porcello/Verlander in the playoffs.

      Reply
      • Seamaholic

        11 years ago

        Yeah clearly they were interested in playoff proven SP’s, and they have their game one starter now (assuming he isn’t needed in the last week to fend off the Angels). Still, offense is gonna be a challenge. That lineup is pretty weak.

        Reply
        • Bob Bunker

          11 years ago

          That lineup is first in the league in runs scored by 20 Runs and have a lot of great OF. Losing Cespedes will hurt but not cripple their offense at all.

          Reply
        • Bob Bunker

          11 years ago

          That lineup with Cespedes was number 1 in the league at worse they are still top ten and Gomes/Fuld is a pretty good platoon.

          Reply
      • Bob Bunker

        11 years ago

        If Lester pitches like he has in past postseasons he could win them every game he starts. Cespedes can’t win games by himself like a SP can.

        Reply
  151. BrynGilkey

    11 years ago

    Lucchino talked about the “binary process” the Red Sox were going to use in trading, being a buyer and seller. True to his word, they managed to be both in this trade. Great to see the Red Sox busting up the conventional ‘wisdom’ a team out of contention should sell for prospects only.

    Reply
    • Jim Johnson

      11 years ago

      Seems to me that Oakland was the team playing the role of both the buyer and the seller in this trade.

      Reply
      • paqza

        11 years ago

        If they’re buying and selling with a partner, logic says that the partner is also buying and selling.

        Reply
        • Jim Johnson

          11 years ago

          Obviously. But he was talking about a “buyer” playing the role of “seller,” in mlb terms.

          Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      Think you’ve got that backwards. It’s the A’s taking on that role. The Red Sox are doing something entirely different. Or rather, they’re operating exactly as they usually do. Doing things that make no sense whatsoever.

      Reply
  152. Raymond J Ambrozaitis

    11 years ago

    A questionable trade that will seem even worse with time. The Rays look better and better since I relocated. What do I do with all my Sox mementoes etc?

    Reply
  153. Jon 27

    11 years ago

    Mariners have to be getting desperate right?

    Price, Zobrist and Joyce for Zunino, Walker, Peterson and Franklin.

    Reply
    • Spare Tire Dixon

      11 years ago

      Man, that would be an interesting one to watch pan out over the next five years or so.

      Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      That trade could actually work but I don’t know if the Rays are willing to trade Price

      Reply
      • northsfbay

        11 years ago

        The Rays pass. Mariners being desperate is not the Rays problem.

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          I see where you are coming from I agree I don’t think the Mariners can make the playoffs

          Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      Why would the Rays trade for Zunino when they have Hanigan?

      Reply
      • Jon 27

        11 years ago

        Hanigan is 34 and hasn’t been that impressive.

        Reply
  154. Governator88

    11 years ago

    Rasmus for Hammels ?

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      Rasmus would be a good platoon partner for Gomes.

      Reply
  155. Daniel Morairity

    11 years ago

    Im shocked

    Reply
  156. LDD

    11 years ago

    Now watch Beane go out and make a trade for Willingham or Byrd and only give up a middle-rung prospect. Genius.

    Reply
    • Seamaholic

      11 years ago

      Both those guys (esp Willingham) are awful. That wouldn’t be genius.

      Reply
      • LDD

        11 years ago

        Except for the part where both Willingham and Byrd have higher OPS’ than Cespedes. Ah well, they ended up doing a very similar move in getting Fuld.

        Reply
  157. Hoosierdaddy92

    11 years ago

    This is a much better deal for Boston than people are giving credit. Sure, he’s not controllable beyond 2015 currently. Good teams know better than to surrender top prospects with 3+ years of control for a 2 month rental. Look how it worked out in the recent years Texas with Matt Garza (Neil Ramirez, CJ Edwards) and Koji Uehara (Chris Davis), Orioles with Feldman (Arrieta) as well as the Angels with Zack Greinke (Jean Segura). Plus Boston is a win-now franchise, they don’t need a massive rebuild. So why not get a guy who can help you right away, and has proven that he will?

    Reply
  158. Baseball Legend

    11 years ago

    I’ve got this figured out, I think. The A’s wouldn’t trade Cespedes in the division to the Mariners and the Mariners are looking for both a bat and pitcher and I’m guessing at this point Lackey and Cespedes are on their way to Seattle in the next hour. It’s the only redeeming aspect of this trade that makes sense for Boston. Hope they get more from the Mariners in return.

    Obviously this is all hypothetical, but makes a ton of sense.

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      I think you could be right with Walker and some other good prospects going to the Red sox

      Reply
      • Danielle Rennifer

        11 years ago

        Which of the guys are not going to be in the lineup or on the bench available between Smoak/Morrison/Hart/Montero if also going to the Red Sox to replace big Papi or Napoli in couple years?

        Reply
  159. Dustroia15

    11 years ago

    So will Rusney Castillo now sign with Oakland to fill the hole in the outfield? ….or will the Sox use Cespedes to attract Castillo?

    Holt – 3B
    Pedroia – 2B
    Ortiz – DH
    Napoli – 1B
    Castillo – RF
    Bogaerts – SS
    Cespedes – LF
    Vazquez – C
    Bradley – CF
    Don’t ask about the pitching…

    Reply
    • Tim Richer

      11 years ago

      I could see the Castillo angle. Sox are getting a private workout and Cespedes would undoubtedly be incentive to come.

      Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        It’s about time we got involved in Cuba-mania.

        Reply
    • Stonehands

      11 years ago

      If they resign Lester and go after another FA I would say that the rebuild is over

      Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      No AJ, no Drew. I like it already.

      Reply
  160. Stonehands

    11 years ago

    Cespedes is definitely a better return than unproven prospects, but I can’t say I like this deal unless Cespedes signs a 5-6 year extension with us is the $14-16mil AAV range, and I would LOVE this deal if we were to sign cespedes to that, and get Lester in the range of 6/$130.. Anything more than that and I would just look to address the rotation through trade

    Reply
    • Danielle Rennifer

      11 years ago

      Cespedes would be a better option of re-signing w/ the Mariners than Marlon Byrd by also bringing in Lackey to Seattle. Should be interesting how the A’s fans react when he faces his former team in a Mariners uniform by helping Cano/Seager/Morales and rest of the team. Please pull that deal Cherrington & Jack Z.

      Reply
      • Stonehands

        11 years ago

        Where are you getting this from? I have heard no rumblings of Cespedes to the M’s, I like their prospects but I doubt they pay what the Red Sox should be asking

        Reply
        • Danielle Rennifer

          11 years ago

          I heard just some rumors flying around. What will it cost to bring in Cespedes & Lackey from the Red Sox to the Mariners on top of the third team being involved as the Padres or Cubs?

          Reply
        • Danielle Rennifer

          11 years ago

          Some rumors flying around here not also involving Lackey but Napoli. That would be a good trade for both teams should Napoli or Cespedes & Lackey are dealt to Seattle.

          Reply
  161. mlbaustin

    11 years ago

    They don’t have a hole in the outfield because of Cespedes. They have a hole because of Gentry and Crisp being hurt. LF will be Gomes and Moss, while 1B will be Moss and Vogt. Easy fix.

    Reply
  162. omavricko

    11 years ago

    Now the mariners acquire Cesepedes and Napoli from the redsox

    Reply
  163. NRD1138 2

    11 years ago

    wow, it would appear the A’s REALLY want to win this year.

    Reply
  164. Danielle Rennifer

    11 years ago

    Hope Cespedes will get moved once again just like when Mark Langston was traded from the Seattle Mariners to Montreal Expos and then to the California (now LA) Angels as he can provide offense help in the starting lineup. Also, please bring Lackey to the Mariners by sending Stefan Romero, Gabriel Guerrero, Tyler Pike, John Hicks, and either Jesus Montero/Logan Morrison/Corey Hart (whichever has more trade value). May not be a bad idea adding a third team that can use a first baseman/DH as Hart/Montero/Morrison for a C Level prospect.

    Reply
  165. GD

    11 years ago

    Milone just traded to the Twins! Don’t know who’s coming back yet

    Reply
    • GD

      11 years ago

      Just heard on MLB.com

      Reply
  166. Cosmo 2

    11 years ago

    let’s see if Boston deals with Miami next! Lackey and Cespedes for Stanton.. Cespedes would be very popular in Miami with the Cuban fanbase.

    Reply
    • Zac R.

      11 years ago

      You’d have to send Betts and probably another prospect as well. Stanton is a stud.

      Reply
      • MB923

        11 years ago

        Betts and multiple top prospects.

        Reply
        • Zac R.

          11 years ago

          You add Betts and Devers to the deal, the marlins would be not smart to say no.

          Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        they would have to send owens and Swihart to get the marlins to even listen

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          and then add mookie betts it is insane for anyone to think that trade would happen

          Reply
    • MB923

      11 years ago

      Ummmm….Zero chance.

      Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      The Marlins are not trading Stanton for Lackey and cespedes

      Reply
    • Zac R.

      11 years ago

      You add Betts and Devers, and the Marlins should say yes.

      Reply
      • Tim Richer

        11 years ago

        …and Owens and Workman and Swihart

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          I dont know about workman but you are right with Swihart and Owens

          Reply
          • Tim Richer

            11 years ago

            I’d figure a young major league ready guy would be a must. A big risk to go for all the young guys.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              The Marlins can’t win in the near future so Workman would just complement Cischek if they can even get to a point where they would use a set-up man and then closer

              Reply
              • Tim Richer

                11 years ago

                5 years of control of Workman and he could start or a close.

                Reply
                • Terie54

                  11 years ago

                  I don’t know look what happened to Bard and Scheppers although scheppers got injured and didn’t really bust

                  Reply
        • Zac R.

          11 years ago

          That’s way overpriced. Stanton is good but it would deplete the sox farm system as Owens is one of the best lefty prospects in the game, Swihart is the top catching prospect in the game, Betts is the #14 prospect in all of baseball and could play right away. Devers has the making of a stud as he’s torn it up his first year as a pro. You add in a near to the top rotation starter in Lackey and a decent OF in Cespedes what else would the Marlins want. Would be the biggest steal in all of baseball.

          Reply
          • Tim Richer

            11 years ago

            He’s a 24 year old with power in a league devoid of right handed power. Marlins have a ton of leverage and he won’t come cheap. What I said might be a stretch but not by much.

            Reply
            • Zac R.

              11 years ago

              If the Sox gm made that deal, he should be fired right away. One player won’t make a team no matter how good they are. You’re talking about 3 major league ready players, another two who have very high ceilings and should make their debut in 2015, to go a long with probably one of the best prospects in baseball a few years from now. I’ll pass on that.

              Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      So two players for short term for a 10 WAR player long term? Hmmm, are you just Joshing all of us, or are you serious? Yikes

      Reply
  167. Cosmo 2

    11 years ago

    Boston now has 3 great arms in the OF..it may take more than Lackey and Cespedes to get Stanton, but the Red Sox have the pieces. It might be Betts or Cechini or ??.

    Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      I hope so, Stanton is worth every penny.

      Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      no it would take Swihart and Owens the Marlins have a future home run king and he is the face of the franchise they would need to be overwhelmed to get a trade done

      Reply
    • sherrilltradedooverexperience

      11 years ago

      that’s a heck of a stretch imo. Cesp is already in his prime and while a slugger, his obp isn’t good enough to make him better than similar players to like Dave Kingman or Dunn with more athleticism.

      Stanton is only 24 and already head and shoulders a better hitter and will likely get even better.

      the good thing is that the huge park cesp is in should get a fenway boost to his obp and hr numbers.

      Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      Just curious, but who are the two other “great arms” you speak of?

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        yeah i cant even think of their other outfielders i guess bradley but he doesn’t have a great arm

        Reply
        • d-blaqueqq

          11 years ago

          Top ten in outfield assists. Tied with Cespedes for 1st in the AL.

          Reply
          • Baseball Legend

            11 years ago

            It’s a shame he’s batting .143.

            Reply
            • d-blaqueqq

              11 years ago

              No one said he was Ted Williams with the stick.

              Reply
      • Cosmo 2

        11 years ago

        Jackie Bradley has an incredible arm. Victorino is no slouch either.

        Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      ..and it’s going to take about a 400% better package than Lackey, a guy who may or may not have a contract next season and one season of a 2 war player for a possibly 10 war player.

      Reply
  168. Spectac1

    11 years ago

    I actually like the gutsy move by Beane. He is going for it all. Go A’s, I hope it works out.

    Reply
    • sherrilltradedooverexperience

      11 years ago

      he did what the dodgers didn’t. he took an already great rotation and made it better. this could make a difference if they face off the dodgers who could have done the same thing

      Reply
  169. Terie54

    11 years ago

    I will say this if the Red Sox want Stanton they have to trade Cespedes Bogaerts and Owens if not bogaerts then Lackey swihart and betts

    Reply
    • Todd Smith

      11 years ago

      Why would the Marlins trade Stanton? They are looking to buy at the deadline, not sell.

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        I know the fact that they would trade him is so far from the truth

        Reply
  170. MB923

    11 years ago

    Just heard Cespedes for some reason Cannot be offered a QO

    Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      Trade gets worse for Boston by the moment. Good grief.

      Reply
    • Tired_OF_FakeRumors

      11 years ago

      uhhh The Beltran Clause, very smart by Cespedes agent. Awful trade by Boston but they have the money to keep him.

      Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      This was never a good idea I don’t know who thought this was a good trade in their front office

      Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      That improves the A’s end of the deal.

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        N o it doesn’t the Red Sox can extend him that doesn’t make the Red Sox look bad at all

        Reply
  171. jimmy streich

    11 years ago

    The A’s blow the whole Pirates small market can’t trade talk out of the water.. as usual we’ll here “I tried” from Huntington who is the worst GM in baseball

    Reply
    • PaulLePageDynasty

      11 years ago

      They were way too stingy. As was STL, LA. Meadows would’ve got it done.

      Reply
  172. mlbaustin

    11 years ago

    The “wrinkle” of not being able to receive a qualifying offer makes this so much better for the A’s. I love the deal at this point.

    Reply
  173. ugotrpk3113

    11 years ago

    No qualifying offer, no arb years… I’m not liking this deal, at all. Unless he’s flipped again today?

    Reply
    • Guest 3663

      11 years ago

      That’s really Boston’s only chance at not losing this one.

      Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      I really do truly believe that the Red Sox do not perform adequate due diligence. They have never shown a strong propensity for trades (and please don’t site the Dodgers trade as a good one). While the Red Sox off loaded tons of salary, that was much more about the Dodgers making a statement at the time when inventory was rather low and a few pieces that fit the puzzle. That trade could have been orchestrated by a toddler on the side of the Sox and it still would have completed without a hitch. Other than that, the Red Sox trades of past months and years are generally a wreck. They draft well. That’s their strong suit.

      Reply
      • DarthMurph

        11 years ago

        Oh please, they’ve made plenty of trades.

        Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          Most haven’t worked out well at all. That’s just a fact.

          Reply
          • DarthMurph

            11 years ago

            So they’ve won more World Series in the new millennium and what they’re doing hasn’t worked out?

            In 2007, the ALCS and WS MVP’s were players brought in via trade. That guy Curt Schilling, I wonder where he came from. Show me these “facts” you speak of.

            Reply
      • d-blaqueqq

        11 years ago

        The Nomar one was good. 2007 Ring was due to the Marlins trade.

        Reply
  174. mrnatewalter

    11 years ago

    So when Jon Lester re-signs with Boston in the offseason, Boston now has Cespedes and the guy they traded to get Cespedes… Oakland better win it all now or it was all in vain.

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      If he resigns he could go somewhere else if they give him what he wants

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        11 years ago

        He certainly could… but at the end of the day, do you think Oakland has the money Lester will want? They gave up Cespedes for a two month rental they likely can’t keep… they’re playing a little too carelessly with their cards here.

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          no way Lester will stay unless he gets a great offer but i think that the A’s need to show their fan base they can win and go deep

          Reply
          • mrnatewalter

            11 years ago

            And then in 2015, when they don’t have Lester, they don’t have Cespedes, they don’t have Russell… I’m cool with going all in, but at what cost? Beane’s getting pretty crazy here.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              If they win it all that will bring in massive amounts of money which can be used to build a more concrete team and one that can consistently win the division

              Reply
            • Dylan Hallman

              11 years ago

              Nathan, how intimate are you with the A’s? The A’s sans Lester, Cespedes, and Russell is still in all likelihood a wild card team next year at worse.

              Reply
              • mrnatewalter

                11 years ago

                I’m a Giants fan, but I also recognize a bad trade when I see one.

                Oakland loses Cespedes, replaces him with Sam Fuld, and won’t have the money to re-sign Lester… it’s really not a good trade in terms of the future.

                Reply
    • Pegasus

      11 years ago

      Lester to new York or LA is just as possible as lester resigning

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        11 years ago

        Okay, let me emphasize the point I’m trying to make here: Oakland won’t have either piece beyond November. Cespedes is in Boston and Oakland won’t have the money to give Lester what he wants… if Oakland doesn’t win it all this year, what do they have to show for it? Kudos to Beane, but this wasn’t a wise move.

        Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      there is no loyalty bonus for many players anymore

      Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      Him resigning with Boston only helps Boston, it doesn’t hurt the A’s. The A’s knew when they traded for him, they weren’t going to sign Lester after 2014.

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        Uh yeah it hurts the A’s they gave up one of their best hitters just to lose everyone they got

        Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        11 years ago

        Just because I know a guy is going to punch me doesn’t mean it won’t hurt.

        This hurts Oakland…. especially if they don’t win it all this year.

        Reply
        • mlbaustin

          11 years ago

          I was speaking specifically to Lester resigning with the Red Sox. It means nothing to the A’s. As someone who has watched every A’s game for the last ten years, this trade helps Oakland.

          Reply
  175. Travis2014

    11 years ago

    Good luck getting any value for Cespedes next July now if they decide to trade him. Knowing they will be forced to trade him if out of contention teams will knock the price down. This trade is almost better if they are bad next year so they can atleaat recoup something.

    Reply
  176. sherrilltradedooverexperience

    11 years ago

    this is also good for oak because if the a’s go deep in the playoffs, the situation he’s in over there on that club that is set to win for a few years at least makes coming back to the retooling sox not as appealing.

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      if they can drive in runs without Cespedes

      Reply
      • sherrilltradedooverexperience

        11 years ago

        I think they can if Moss and Donaldson keep up their production. They both were outslugging and outhitting Cesp. even norris while not being a big power guy is ops+ 148

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          Yeah but losing all off his RBI’s does hurt the team and now they also lose his great arm

          Reply
          • sherrilltradedooverexperience

            11 years ago

            you are right. it’s a balance on how much the loss of offense versus the improved pitching production. Gomes definitely is a downgrade from Cesp, especially in the slugging depart. He’s a low obp hitter but without the power to offset it.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              yeah i guess so but Cespedes is still a lot to give up for Lester who they probobaly cant sign i guess they got gomes though

              Reply
    • Since_77

      11 years ago

      That’s a nice scenario but Oakland is market team, I can’t see them signing both Lester for 20+ million a year. They still have to deal with Samardzija’s free agency after next year.

      Reply
  177. Pegasus

    11 years ago

    Oakland has to win it all now

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      Yeah otherwise this could be one of their worst trades ever

      Reply
      • mlbaustin

        11 years ago

        Nah, it’s a good trade for Oakland. Cespedes was likely being traded in the offseason, so why not get pieces to win this year instead of next?

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          Because if they don’t then Cespedes can go and have a great career and all the A’s would have to show for it is 2 months of Lester

          Reply
          • sherrilltradedooverexperience

            11 years ago

            im not so sure lackey goes if they don’t win it all. all oak has to do is not get rolled over in the first round. Look at OAK team. It is much more competitive than the sox. Why would lester go back there? If he has a good experience in OAK and bonds with the guys in the playoffs it will be hard to take slightly more money to crawl back to boston

            Reply
            • Yankeeboy11

              11 years ago

              Or saying no to the Yankees or Dodgers when they throw him bags of money

              Reply
          • mlbaustin

            11 years ago

            Better than one year of someone next season and missing the playoffs entirely.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              yeah but the Red sox have the money to extend him long term

              Reply
              • mlbaustin

                11 years ago

                The A’s would have never extended either Cespedes or Lester, so they would be gone at the end of their contracts either way. They either get someone to help this year, or next. And who knows if they will even compete next year. The trade makes 100% sense for the A’s.

                Reply
                • Terie54

                  11 years ago

                  NO it doesn’t Cespedes could play another year and then get traded you get 2 months of lester and gomes is irrelvant to be making the world series title a reality in Oakland once

                  Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          Exactly. Great GREAT trade for the A’s and I’m not an A’s fan. Purely as a baseball person, this was genius on their part.

          Reply
      • NUWildcats36

        11 years ago

        In 2008 the Brewers traded Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, and two other players for CC Sabathia in their attempt to make a run at a World Series. Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts with Milwaukee. They would lose in the first round to the Phillies. Are we calling this one of the Brewers worst trades ever because they didn’t win it all? Not even close. Renting a pitcher is about increasing the team’s the chances to win it all, and Lester certainly does that. The World Series is the goal, but this will never be one of the worst trades ever for the A’s (unless Cespedes has a HOF career with Boston and Lester disappears into mediocrity the rest of the season).

        Reply
        • mrnatewalter

          11 years ago

          And what was the end result of that Brewers trade? I mean, beyond that season? They gave up one really good player in Brantley and lost out on the guy they got in the whole trade.

          I’m not a fan of giving up key commodities for a rental… it’s not worth it.

          Reply
          • NUWildcats36

            11 years ago

            It’s easy to say that now, but the Brewers made their first playoff run since the 1980s after acquiring Sabathia (who won the CY Young the year before). I would say the trade worked out for both teams

            Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          What i’m saying is that you have to win if you give up future stars for rentals you can’t afford not to

          Reply
  178. Antonio Alexsander langston

    11 years ago

    If the Sox can’t extend Cespedes and they don’t bring back Lester in the off season this will be a disaster.

    Reply
    • sherrilltradedooverexperience

      11 years ago

      i don’t know how they are going to be a draw to difference making FA’s while they are kind of broken. Money talks though.

      Reply
  179. GD

    11 years ago

    NOW what will be funny:

    1. Seattle acquires Lackey & Cespedes from BoSox
    2. Angels win division by 1 game
    3. Seattle sneaks in and wins Wild Card
    4. Seattle plays A’s in 1 game playoff and the results: Felix pitches CG shutout with Cespedes hitting walkoff HR against the A’s.
    5. Seattle signs Lester to a $144m contract in November, and extend Cespedes after 2015

    lol

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      I would cry

      Reply
    • Ned L

      11 years ago

      I know I’m going out on a limb, but let me guess, mariners fan?

      Reply
      • mrnatewalter

        11 years ago

        How do you know????

        Reply
      • GD

        11 years ago

        No it would just be LOL is all

        Reply
    • NUWildcats36

      11 years ago

      What would be more funny is Seattle trading their future in Taijuan Walker/DJ Peterson to get an old and overpaid pitcher and an overrated hitter.

      Reply
  180. Quikmix

    11 years ago

    Cespedes is going to KILL it at Fenway. I like the trade for Boston a lot.

    Reply
  181. Pegasus

    11 years ago

    I wonder how cespedes feels about possible WS champ to basement dweller

    Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      He probably doesn’t like it but i think he sees the potential that he will be flipped or get big money over a long period of time and the red sox have a great farm system

      Reply
      • mantistoboggan47

        11 years ago

        Most major league players take into consideration keith law’s farm system ranking when deciding whether to enjoy a team or not.

        Reply
        • Terie54

          11 years ago

          The Red Sox are up there in the top five right?

          Reply
          • mantistoboggan47

            11 years ago

            I was being sarcastic AND facetious at the same time.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              Still players want to win and they will look at the teams future to see if they want to stay

              Reply
              • mantistoboggan47

                11 years ago

                Players want leverage to get more money. It is a fantasy that players value winning over money. As with anything there is an exception to the rule, but I can guarantee you that the last thing Cespedes is going to do is look at a list of baseball america’s top farm systems.

                Reply
                • Terie54

                  11 years ago

                  I know he wont but what he will look at is the state of the team and it’s future I never said he would read baseball America however maybe his agent does I do John Mozeliak does it is a way to see farm systems in depth. Money and a bright future can really tempt players and the Red Sox have both those things

                  Reply
          • Red Socks

            11 years ago

            Not in Law’s top 5, but they’re in Callis’s top 3, go figure.

            Reply
            • Terie54

              11 years ago

              That makes no sense at all to me

              Reply
              • Red Socks

                11 years ago

                Law didn’t include Bostons best prospect Betts because he was in the majors at the time

                Reply
                • Terie54

                  11 years ago

                  oh OK and Callis might include Bogaerts and Bradley Jr.

                  Reply
                  • Red Socks

                    11 years ago

                    No, he doesn’t

                    Reply
                    • Red Socks

                      11 years ago

                      He only includes guys who haven’t reached rookie status

                      Reply
                      • Terie54

                        11 years ago

                        oh okay Baseball America include them in the Prospect Handbook

                        Reply
                        • Red Socks

                          11 years ago

                          Yeah, they rank players under 25 or something, Middlebrooks was like 6th on the sox list this past season lol

                          Reply
                          • Terie54

                            11 years ago

                            No they use rookie status I have it right next to me Middlebrooks was number one for the Red Sox in 2012

                            Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      As long as he’s more famous, I’m sure he’s fine with it.

      Reply
  182. yewed

    11 years ago

    2 2 month rentals for a 1 yr and 2 month rental. HMMM….

    Reply
    • mrnatewalter

      11 years ago

      A guy signed beyond this November isn’t ever a rental.

      Reply
      • yewed

        11 years ago

        He is if your trading away your top pitcher and the second all time
        walk off homerun hitter in Redsox history. 🙂

        Reply
    • Quikmix

      11 years ago

      you’ve got to think that Boston extends Cespedes this offseason-and probably gets Lester back anyway.

      Reply
      • mantistoboggan47

        11 years ago

        That’s some hopeful thinking.

        Reply
        • Quikmix

          11 years ago

          well, I’m not a BoSox fan, but Lester’s already said that he’d like to return to Boston if he got traded. As for Cespedes, Boston has the cash to do that deal, so yeah, completely plausible, imo.

          Reply
          • mantistoboggan47

            11 years ago

            They always say that, then they always take the most money unless you are cliff lee and your wife tells you what to do.

            Reply
            • Quikmix

              11 years ago

              ehh, like I said, it’s plausible. I didn’t say it was a certainty.

              Reply
            • Rally Weimaraner

              11 years ago

              Cliff Lee certainly didn’t get a bad contract and you can’t blame someone for not wanting to play for a team who’s fans spit on his wife.

              Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        I don’t know if Cespedes wants to stay in Boston or that they will pay him

        Reply
      • yewed

        11 years ago

        Now that Lester is traded whoever signs him won’t have to give up
        a draft pick , so they might be inclined to give a little more money.
        It’s possible he could get 150 million. Sox won’t come close to that.

        Reply
  183. Chioakcisco

    11 years ago

    The sad part is the A’s are giving away a Yoenis Cespedes shirt this weekend.

    Reply
  184. HHI_Golf_Guy

    11 years ago

    I can’t believe that any team would give up big talent for Lester without first negotiating an extension for him, especially with no compensation if he signs with someone else in the off season. I get that the A’s are “all in” and that Cespedes may be a bad seed in the clubhouse, but the A’s could be left with a whole lot of nothing in a few months.

    Reply
    • mlbaustin

      11 years ago

      Part of the A’s success is not having bad seeds, although I don’t really think Cespedes was that big of a deal. And there was no chance the A’s could afford to extend him even if the wanted to.

      Reply
      • Terie54

        11 years ago

        They maybe could have if they went deep in the playoffs maybe the ownership could be convinced to shellout extra money

        Reply
    • mrnatewalter

      11 years ago

      It’s all because Brad Pitt wanted to start Hatteberg.

      Reply
  185. halflink123

    11 years ago

    This is a pretty bad deal for the Sox. They needed legit long-term cost-controlled prospects, not a 1 year rental. The fact that they gave up Gomes who’s arguably a better hit against LHP makes this a good deal for OAK, although obviously they did have to give up a very good player albeit short term

    Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      Gomes is not an everyday player like Cespedes is. But hopefully, Boston keeps making deals.

      Reply
    • Red Socks

      11 years ago

      Not really, they’re almost going to be soon dealing with a 40 man crunch because of all the great prospects they have in the upper minors…

      Reply
  186. Antonio Alexsander langston

    11 years ago

    Lester got traded?!…oh man I hope it was for Pederson…or Bell…or Piscotty….oh…oh wait….damn….it was to Oakland.

    Reply
    • Rally Weimaraner

      11 years ago

      Im sure Boston is happy to get an established MLB outfielder, who’s swing will play nicely at Fenway, instead of an unproven high level prospect.

      Reply
    • WaitTil2026

      11 years ago

      From what we were hearing, Pederson, Bell, and Piscotty were off the table for a “rental”. That’s fine, the Sox need the power hitter NOW, not in a few years.

      Reply
      • Mochi

        11 years ago

        Why now? Are the Sox in the playoff hunt?

        Reply
        • WaitTil2026

          11 years ago

          Now = 2015. The Red Sox really can’t afford to write off next year. Might be the most impatient fan base in baseball.

          Pederson might be ready by then. Bell likely won’t be. Piscotty is a good prospect, but doesn’t have much power to begin with. Reportedly, none of the three were on the table for Lester anyways, which makes it a moot point.

          Reply
  187. northsfbay

    11 years ago

    I am sure that Cespedes wants to hit in Fenway.

    Reply
    • Rally Weimaraner

      11 years ago

      His RH pull swing is going to love the green monster.

      Reply
  188. mrnatewalter

    11 years ago

    I wonder if there’s anyone that actually notices that there are baseball games today lol.

    Reply
    • Antonio Alexsander langston

      11 years ago

      This is the equivalent of a playoff chase in Boston atm.

      Reply
  189. ishkabibble

    11 years ago

    Boston did well considering the lack of hitting available at the deadline. Name one good bat rumored to be available this week? All pitching. Run scoring is at a premium with every team now, especially Boston.
    Cherrington did well here, regardless of Cespedes being a FA after next year.
    And If OAK doesn’t win it all in 2014, with next to zero chance of re-signing Lester…

    Reply
    • d-blaqueqq

      11 years ago

      Cespedes is younger than Byrd, Rios. Like someone here said it could help bring Castillo to the Sox.

      Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      “Boston did well considering the lack of hitting available at the deadline.” So they add Cepesdes to their line-up (for maybe a single win) on a losing season and trade Lester for a net loss of 3 wins. Hmmm. You do understand how this works, right? Boston didn’t do well at all.

      Reply
      • ishkabibble

        11 years ago

        Gee, how could a simpleton like me ever understand something so mind-numbingly deep? Laughable. Your opinion and your opinion alone, skippy. Name the other bats available this trade deadline?

        Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          We’re not collecting baseball cards, you know. You’re right. It’s a very limited market on bats at the moment, but from an organizational and business standpoint, you know, looking forward, it would have made far more sense to get a single top 5 prospect on the verge of cracking the majors.

          Reply
      • Red Socks

        11 years ago

        So they get worse in a losing season, meaning a better (top 11) pick and they get to keep it no matter who they sign with all their money in free agency…

        Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          Top 11? As far as I understand, a comp B pick is after the 2nd round, so it’s more like the 70th pick or something in that range.

          Reply
          • Red Socks

            11 years ago

            I’m referring to the Sox’ own 2015 first round pick.

            Reply
            • Baseball Legend

              11 years ago

              Huh? What does that have to do with this discussion? Great, a losing season just so they can get a pick to draft something that might have some impact in 2020 or 2021, which is what you need to plan for. Horrible logic.

              Reply
              • Red Socks

                11 years ago

                You brought up the fact the trade makes the 2014 Red Sox worse, considering the situation, I think that’s ideal.

                Reply
                • Baseball Legend

                  11 years ago

                  face palm…

                  Reply
                  • Red Socks

                    11 years ago

                    13 games out of first and haven’t looked like turning it around, I’d rather be terrible than ok, given the fact the top 11 picks are protected from compensation…

                    Reply
                    • Terie54

                      11 years ago

                      The fact that the Ranger are in the pole position for the number one pick in the draft is amazing to me

                      Reply
                      • d-blaqueqq

                        11 years ago

                        Who would’ve expected them to be worse than the the Astros?

                        Reply
                        • Terie54

                          11 years ago

                          I hope they trade Rios and Cotts then they would definitely beat the Astros to it

                          Reply
          • ishkabibble

            11 years ago

            The pick is 35-45, with an $800K value.

            Reply
            • Baseball Legend

              11 years ago

              See ya in 2020! Well worth it.

              Reply
              • ishkabibble

                11 years ago

                So its still the 70th pick as far as you’re concerned. Got it.
                Anything else?

                Reply
      • andm369

        11 years ago

        boston obviously wasnt going to make the playoffs let alone win the world series. why keep lester for the rest of the season and get nothing but a draft pick if he doesnt resign? now they get a god outfielder at 10 mil for next season, draft pick and there is still a chance lester may resign this offseason. lester’s first choice is boston and would most likely even take slightly less $$ to stay in boston…even after being traded. this was very good trade for red sox. i dont think this hurts their chances of resigning lester one bit…of course..if thats what the sox want..

        Reply
    • Terie54

      11 years ago

      Rios can hit .300 which is good and if the Sox were better this would be great but they aren’t so i think this is an okay trade but not a good one and not a bad one either

      Reply
  190. phil 16

    11 years ago

    So cespedes is going from a first place team to a last place team Lester should have been traded to the cardinals

    Reply
    • Rally Weimaraner

      11 years ago

      Why, so poor Cespedece can play in October?

      Reply
  191. Rally Weimaraner

    11 years ago

    Boston should act quickly to extend Cespedece at a reasonable price, I can see him putting up a career year in Boston next year. Cespedece is a pull hitter (68% of his ball in play are hit to LF or Left-CF) and the green monster could easily turn him into a monster at the plate.

    Reply
    • Baseball Legend

      11 years ago

      They’re not going to extend him. It’s just not how Boston operates these days, let alone without playing a single game. You do bring up an marvelous point, however, that the Red Sox likely failed to consider (like everything else about this trade), that Cespedes will likely hit very well at Fenway, therefore pricing the Red Sox out or making bidding all the more competitive after 2015. Bring in a player on a 1 year deal who will likely mash, increase his value and not be able to sign him. Brilliant. They’re only saving grace is that he hits something like 20 homers in the 1st half of 15 and they trade him this time next year. Like I said earlier, could work, but the backwards way of doing things, by far.

      Reply
      • VAR

        11 years ago

        I don’t know he isn’t home grown. I can see them extending him.

        Reply
        • Baseball Legend

          11 years ago

          Ha. Love the sarcasm. Very good.

          Reply
  192. M.Kit

    11 years ago

    There was going to be negative reaction with a Lester deal for the fanbase, naturally, but Cherington, wow. A brilliant move

    Reply
  193. 0vercast

    11 years ago

    Though he’s leaving a great situation in OAK, Cespedes should be ecstatic. The numbers he’s sure to put up in Fenway will pave the way to a massive pay raise come 2016.

    Reply
  194. mrshyguy99

    11 years ago

    so As got the pitcher they wanted and red soxs got the OF they wanted. As really want to win with all this pitching there getting

    Reply
  195. Antonio Alexsander langston

    11 years ago

    If this is the end result I would rather the Sox not traded Lester and have that window to work something out at the end of the season. Now we have no number 1 starter, and a nearing 30 year old outfielder who is free to also walk after next year. This has all the makings of a blunder, and a huge one at that.

    Reply
    • mrshyguy99

      11 years ago

      red sox could of got better but who really going to give a MLB ready player like Céspedes. soxs get the much needed help in the OF and you do know without lester soxs can just use the young pitching they have

      Reply
  196. jb226 2

    11 years ago

    I mean… wow. I guess this is the true definition of “all-in.” I don’t know that this is a prudent long-term move but I’m certainly impressed by the guts it took to pull the trigger.

    Reply
    • not_brooks

      11 years ago

      I’m thinking Billy figured Cespedes is gone after 2015 anyway. Why not go for it this year?

      If it doesn’t happen, you’ve still got Gray, Kazmir and Samardzija next year, with Parker and Griffin potentially returning.

      Cespedes savings could allow the A’s to bring in a solid free agent outfielder for the short term, but scanning the list of 2015 free agent hitters doesn’t inspire much excitement.

      Reply
  197. Christopher Henderson

    11 years ago

    Man, i hope the Sox lock Yoenis up long term!! There is literally no power threat locked up beyond 2015

    Reply
    • Scott Berlin

      11 years ago

      Besides Pedroia theres no one really locked up accept some unknown cost controlled players.

      Reply
  198. Rally Weimaraner

    11 years ago

    It would be hilarious if Boston flipped Cespedece to Seattle for Walker or Paxton. Seattle gets the bat they need and Boston gets the top level pitching prospect they wanted for Lester.

    Reply
    • Christopher Henderson

      11 years ago

      Billy Beane would say oh you’ve gotta be kidding me haha

      Reply
    • VAR

      11 years ago

      I’m pretty sure a right handed hitting leftfielder with power was exactly what the Red Sox were looking for. Who will be their number one starter next year is anyone’s guess, but I’m sure there is a plan for that too.

      Reply
      • Rally Weimaraner

        11 years ago

        I’m not suggesting its likely or has even been considered by anyone else, I just wouldn’t be able to stop laughing.

        Reply
      • andm369

        11 years ago

        wouldnt be shocked if it ended up being jon lester

        Reply
        • VAR

          11 years ago

          I wouldn’t either, but you’d think if they were willing to make that happen they could have done it more cheaply sooner than waiting for hit to hit free agency.

          Reply
        • VAR

          11 years ago

          I wouldn’t either, but you’d think if they were willing to make that happen they could have done it more cheaply sooner than waiting for hit to hit free agency.

          Reply
  199. mrshyguy99

    11 years ago

    if Hammel didnt struggle who knows if this trade would of ever happen

    Reply
  200. oaklandfan22

    11 years ago

    Man, this trade woke me up this morning! LIke the deal, now Vogt can play everyday.

    Reply
  201. Rafael Bustamante

    11 years ago

    This is a good trade for the A’s. Why? Because Cespedes is a sub-300 OBP guy, sub-250 AVG, who only has good (but not great) power and a good arm. Besides that, he has nothing more. So, you get rid of a mediocre player that is paid 10.500.000 next year, you get a nice rental player (Lester) and you get Gomes, who is not a great player but he is a slugger like Cespedes and can give you some HR as well. The big loss would be Cespedes arm in the OF but only that! To understand this trade you have to think about the goal of it, A’s just wanted to get what they need to win the WS this year, and they can also have 10.500.000 more next offseason to get what they need. I think it was a win-win trade but more for the A’s.

    Reply
    • mrshyguy99

      11 years ago

      plus gomes is a former A who did pretty well for them that season. maybe gomes needs a different place to get some of his power back. they didnt get what they wanted from Hammel so i can see why they went and got lester. i just wonder if Hammel never struggle would the As still get lester

      Reply
      • Patick L

        11 years ago

        I think you are correct that Hammel going 0-4 caused this trade to occur. I actually wonder if Hammel will get flipped before midnight.

        Reply
  202. S710b

    11 years ago

    The Red Sox are not resigning Lester. That notion is naive and is starting to annoy me. He was traded because they couldn’t come to terms on an extension. There’s no way the Red Sox are going to pony up to pay him market value after their ridiculously low offer. Dream on, Sox fans–sorry.

    Reply
  203. Jay Sanders

    11 years ago

    Enough with the Lester going back to Boston talk – there’s no way he resigns there. Boston missed their chance when they lowballed him earlier this year and I think he was just trying to save face with the media when he said he’d resign there. If Boston only offered him $70 mil in spring training I have a hard time seeing them cough up $150 mil to outbid teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Tigers. And IMO they look like a rebuilding team right now – they got a decent offense with a lot of old players and no pitching.

    Reply
  204. Kingmojo101

    11 years ago

    I think oakland made a huge mistake in trading for Lester.they lost their power hitting OF for a 3 month rental. The A’s didn’t need Lester with a rotation of gray,shark,kazmir,hammels,Chavez/miloney(traded). I guess it’s World Series or bust for Oakland,

    Reply
    • Patick L

      11 years ago

      It always is it seems. Loved Cespedes but good pitching normally beats good hitting. Lester, Smaj, Kazmir, Gray. That’s a pretty good starting 4 in the playoffs. If it doesn’t work out then people will back on here blasting Beane. If it does they will say how great he is. The longest the A’s were going to be able to afford Cespedes was another year, but I’m sure Beane and company did their research and decided to pull the trigger. Hammels has been a bust so in comes Lester. Plus the A’s are first in runs scored this year so they can afford to give away some offense even if it is a power guy. Still have Moss and Donaldson and now Gomes, so they will be OK. Like you said, WS or bust!

      Reply
  205. DelusionalCubsFan

    11 years ago

    Wow! What a shocker! This unpredictable move is exactly what I was hoping for when I visited MLB Trade Rumors on my break. Man is that Billy Beane going for it! Has any team ever rebuilt their rotation in the second half like the A’s have? Added an Ace and a number two to build a playoff ready rotation on the fly?

    Reply
  206. Jesse Rodriguez

    11 years ago

    Love Cespedes but pitching gets it done, Welcome to Oakland Lester

    Reply
    • Danielle Rennifer

      11 years ago

      How will the A’s fans react if Cespedes is traded to Seattle w/ Napoli for a young player or two on MLB roster and some prospects when both teams face each other at the Coliseum yays or boos?

      Reply
      • bayareabeast

        11 years ago

        A mix. Really hasn’t done enough except win a couple HR derbys to deserve cheers while he’s on another team, but he was traded as well its not like he left to go sign with seattle which would be the only reason I might boo a guy.

        Reply
  207. Jeff Snedden

    11 years ago

    Very strange trade, but ultimately it comes down to this: Jon Lester MUST be the shut-down ace Oakland needs down the stretch and in October. If he is anything less than a lockdown starter that wins 3 or 4 postseason starts, this trade will end up being one of the worst deals in Oakland history. Cespedes is a legit big-league All Star with a big personality that will shine in Boston. He is going to be a massive upgrade in Fenway, and could hit 40 HR there. The Red Sox will re-sign him to a long term deal and he will immediately become one of the biggest stars in that city. This is a great trade for the Red Sox. If Lester is that postseason MVP-type starter that gets the A’s a World Series title, then its a win-win. Anything less than an AL Pennant for Oakland, and this is a loss for the A’s.

    Reply
  208. Matt 40

    11 years ago

    IMO if I’m Oakland why mess up a good thing? You have the best record in baseball. I think Billy is trying to get too fancy.

    Reply
    • nhsoxfan

      11 years ago

      Pitching wins, and Idk if you saw Hammel’s stats last night, but they were in need of another playoff ready arm.

      Reply
  209. FamousGrouse

    11 years ago

    The A’s made this trade for the Tigers.

    Reply
  210. Kyle 16

    11 years ago

    What’s Boston’s starting rotation look like right now?

    Reply
    • Jack Miller

      11 years ago

      De la Rosa, Buchholtz, Workman, Webster, Kelly which is a staff that seems fitting for a team like the Astros.

      Reply
      • Unassisted Triple Play

        11 years ago

        Don’t forget Lester – he’ll re-uo in the offseason. Red Sox are done for this year why not steal Cespedes – they can pay him!

        Reply
  211. Brendan Purcell

    11 years ago

    Why can’t A’s sign Lester to 2-year deal after the season? If they win a WS this year, Lester pitches well, likes the team….signs 2 year deal. Oakland has top 2 salary players (Cesp & Jim Johnson) off the books…only $30M guaranteed for 2015…ARB for Samardjiza, Moss, Reddick, Jaso, Gentry, Fuld, Chavez, Rodriguez, Abad, Sogard, Cook, Donaldson, Parker, FA for Lowrie, Gregerson, Callaspo….2015 salary ends up being about $70M…could be less with tweaking….sign Lester for 2 years, $40M? OAK ends up with an $85M salary in 2015?

    Reply
    • Brendan Purcell

      11 years ago

      Just have to imagine that the A’s will at least want to make a play for him if they gave up Cespedes (control in 2015) for him….hardly anything in 2015 is guaranteed on the books….and the A’s have done many things they haven’t done before this year…including raising the salary

      Reply
      • bayareabeast

        11 years ago

        Im sure if lester wanted to sign a 2 year deal he would of signed one with boston(who just won a WS)

        Reply
        • Brendan Purcell

          11 years ago

          There’s no immediate future with Boston…how do they figure to win a WS in the next 2 years? Dreadful offense, a pitching staff all on the move…Boston is going through another re-tooling phase…Oakland figures to be in the World Series maybe 2 of the next 3 years…it’s all based on situation and Oakland is a very good one to be in right now.

          Reply
          • matt1101

            11 years ago

            Though I’m not a red sox fan, can never count them out. Look at what they did last year.

            Reply
            • Brendan Purcell

              11 years ago

              That’s true, but I wouldn’t bet $10 on it. The team stinks now (even more than it did yesterday).

              Reply
    • Brendan Purcell

      11 years ago

      Just have to imagine that the A’s will at least want to make a play for him if they gave up Cespedes (control in 2015) for him….hardly anything in 2015 is guaranteed on the books….and the A’s have done many things they haven’t done before this year…including raising the salary

      Reply
    • nhsoxfan

      11 years ago

      Lester will get at least 5 years from any team. There will be no 2 year deals for any pitcher of his caliber.

      Reply
  212. Unassisted Triple Play

    11 years ago

    This just screams ALL-IN by oakland and I get it. Next season Cespedes, Lester maybe even Smardzija gone but they couldn’t afford them anyway so these moves are truly the only way a small market club will EVER have a superstar ridden team capable of playing with the big spenders and win it all. I get it. Kudos to Billy Beane, I hope it works out!

    Reply
    • Brendan Purcell

      11 years ago

      Cespedes and Samardzija are both club-controlled through 2015…but I see what you’re saying. Lester is a significant upgrade over Jason Hammel and Fuld/Gomes isn’t that significant of a downgrade from Cespedes. YC is a flashy player but can’t get on base and probably won’t crack 3.0 WAR unless he can figure out his discipline issues (he’s naturally a swing-first hitter).

      Reply
      • Unassisted Triple Play

        11 years ago

        Cespedes was traded – he won’t be an athletic in 2015 regardless of control. If they can’t lock up Jeff S he may start the year an A but probably won’t end the year an A so yeah my comment was fine.

        Reply
        • Brendan Purcell

          11 years ago

          Yeah I just meant that if they A’s had kept both Cesp and Shark they would have been club-controlled. Sorry I didn’t understand what you were saying at first

          Reply
          • Unassisted Triple Play

            11 years ago

            Just meant that a lot of the key players being swapped are high dollar players that realistically probably won’t be in the long term future plans for Oakland. That said, they have stacked the deck for this year.

            Reply
  213. Howie

    11 years ago

    Not a fan at all lol why trade for a rental pitcher and get rid of basically the best piece in your offense. Oakland is desperate and it’s going to backfire… but at least the Tigers got a steal.

    Reply
  214. Howie

    11 years ago

    BTW, can’t picture Lester in an A’s uniform…gonna look weird lol

    Reply
  215. Shaundalyn Chic

    11 years ago

    Cespedes will murder the Green Monster

    Reply

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