Money Ball

Could this be the year "Money Ball" finally comes to fruition for the Oakland Athletics?

Oakland has pulled off a blockbuster deal with the Boston Red Sox to acquire ace John Lester.  The Athletics currently own the best record in the American league.  Lester will become a free agent in the off-season.  The addition makes them an even more dangerous threat headed into postseason play.

Billy Beane pullled the trigger on this deal with the hopes Lester can help Oakland get over the hump. Oakland is no stranger to winning 90 plus ball games. Aside from a down period between 2007-2011, Oakland has been a constant 90 game winner under Beane's guidance.

Lester was money in the postseason last year for Boston.  He went 2-0, with a 0.59 ERA in the World Series.  If not for David Ortiz catching fire on the Cardinals pitching staff, Lester would have certainly been named World Series MVP.

Lester went 10-7, with a 2.51 ERA for Boston this season.  Despite having somewhat of a down year, Lester has still been pretty solid on the mound.

This could be a one shot deal in Oakland for Lester. He could leave Oakland via free agency this winter. A return to Boston  remains a possibility.

Everything comes with a price in sports.  I'm sure Oakland will have a difficult time seeing Yoenis Cespedes leave town.  The third - year player made his first All-Star appearance this year.  He had become a staple in the middle of the Athletics line-up.  He became a you tube sensation this season with an impressive array of tosses from the outfield.

Boston has a history of trading their stars with something left in the tank.  The names Babe Ruth and Roger Clemens should ring a bell.