Grading The MLB Trade Deadline

Oakland Athletics – Oakland’s rotation already was very good after last month’s trade with the Cubs. Now it got even better even if Jon Lester turns into just a three-month rental. The A’s were likely to lose Cespedes in free agency after next year so give credit to Billy Beane for thinking a few steps ahead by including Cespedes for Lester. And also give Beane credit for getting a proven outfielder Jonny Gomes. The A’s already had Gomes when he helped them reach the postseason two years ago. – Grade A

Larry Fleisher

Larry Fleisher has covered sports in various capacities for nearly 15 years. He is a writer/editor for the Sports Xchange and has also worked for SportsTicker and Metro New York newspaper. Larry also has worked on many NBA broadcasts doing stats, on several TV shows as a background actor. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association and the Internet Baseball Writers Association.

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