Is Billy Beane Off His Rocker?
Over the years Billy Beane has always had one thing going for him. He doesn’t act like other GMs. That sometimes entails making a deal like the one Beane made today, when he traded his ace, a top 5 MLB pitcher (health permitting) under contract for 15 more months at a reasonable salary, for two bench players, a #3 starter, and a fringe catching prospect four years away from a major league stadium.
Of course in Beane’s eyes the haul consists of a 22 year-old whose dominated older players at every minor league stop, a speedy 2nd basemen with some pop, a five tool outfielder who has never gotten the playing time he deserved, and a former 1st-round pick who was impressive in his pro debut last year.
Obviously Harden’s health in the major factor here. Beane clearly believes Harden is damaged goods. The Cubs clearly believe Harden is worth the risk. Are the A’s merely frustrated with an injury prone pitcher, or are Cubs looking past the red flags due to their excitement over actually having a team with a chance of winning the World Series?
Only time will tell. At first glance the deal seems like a steal for the Cubbies, but it’s so hard not to trust Billy Beane (after all, this is a trade, not another one of his awful drafts). Right now the only surefire winners are the desperate souls who get to debate the trade’s impact on Sean Gallagher’s fantasy value.
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