Re: MLB 2014: I paid the $20 mil posting fee for the right to start this thread
I'd rather have kept Lester as well, but it's not clear to me that was possible, at least after they started out with a low-ball offer. On the other hand, it's clear they need offense also, and if you look at the combination of the farm system and the available free agents, there's more pitching available than there are bats....
But, I guess its wait and see on the pitching staff. They have to go out and sign a #1 AND #2 starter in the offseason. Not sure how any of the guys are going to come any cheaper than Lester would have.
Agree on getting by Detroit, but I'd also say their chances are a lot better. I also like that the fact that the RS and the A's had the cojones to pull the trigger seems to have panicked the Rays. They should have gotten more for a player of Price's stature. For an interesting, flawed, player signed through 2015, the A's got John Lester. For one of the premier pitchers in the game, also signed through 2015, the Rays got some spare parts and an 18 year old shortstop.I like what Oakland did. They're constantly retooling their roster since they can't afford anybody. Might as well try to win now since either way they're be doing an overhall in the offseason anyway. I'll say again though I'm not sure they're getting by Price-Scherzer-Verlander-Sanchez even with Lester.