Joe Blanton Traded to the City of Brotherly Love

Earlier this afternoon, the A’s continued their rebuilding process by sending their “ace” at the beginning of the ‘08 season to Philadelphia in exchange for three minor league prospects. Blanton, the A’s Opening Day starter, was struggling this season in Oakland, as he had been very inconsistent with his (5-12) record and a 4.96 E.R.A. The haul of prospects that the A’s pulled back in this deal were second baseman Adrian Cardenas (the second ranked prospect in the Phillies’ system according to Baseball America before the season’s start), AA level pitcher Josh Outman, who was the fourth ranked prospect, also according to Baseball America, and is (5-4) with a 3.20 E.R.A. , and outfielder Matt Spencer who is hitting .249 this season at Class A Clearwater. Cardenas is just 20 years old, Outman is 23, and Spencer is 22. All three of these players will be sent to the A’s farm system, and with Blanton vacating the starting rotation Gio Gonzalez may be called up into the rotation, but no decision has been made yet. I (Jordan) feel like this was a good move for Beane to make at this time, because he is continuing to make it clear that he is in full rebuilding mode. I respect that he is sticking with his guns from the offseason. There will be more on this, and the Harden trade in our next episode of Athleticscast. Please make sure you all weigh in on these roster moves by emailing us at hosts@athleticscast.com, by calling us at 415-691-6185, or by posting your thoughts on this page. Take care, and Let’s Go Oakland!!!!