Oakland A’s: Grading Billy Beane’s Moves in Creating Overachieving Squad

Through six free agent signings, seven trades, two waiver wire pickups and one outright contract purchase, Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane once again proved his wizardry by putting together a team that defied expectations of being 20 games back in the AL West.

Instead, the second-place A's are just 3.5 games behind the AL West-leading Texas Rangers. Oakland holds a one-game lead in the wild-card standings as well.

The team wasn't supposed to be here.

Beane's annual trades of talented favorites to build for next year drives many fans crazy (not to mention, into tears). Of course, 20...

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