The Oakland Athletics have traded centerfielder Mark Kotsay to the Atlanta Braves for Joey Devine and minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond.  I like the fact that the A’s are getting Devine who could become a stud setup man for Huston Street, but I don’t like the fact they are paying a lot of Kotsay’s contract for 2008.

I would have really liked this deal if the A’s weren’t paying so much of Kotsay’s contract for next year.  But I figure they made the trade to get something out of Kotsay before he left after next year via free agency.   So you give up something now, and get something now rather then nothing after next year.

What do the other A’s fans think out there?  Good trade or bad trade?

Athletics Blog

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The Athletics are making a few moves this off season as they have traded Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Joe Blanton is also on the trading block.  I wish management would keep around some of these pitchers and build the team around them but it doesn’t look like that is happening.

What do you think?  Do you agree with the Haren trade, and possibly seeing Blanton being moved before spring training?  I sure don’t, but please leave us a comment and let us know what your opinions are on these moves and the 2008 season.