...and Hammell. Addison Russell the centerpiece per Rosenthal.

The Cubs will now have 4 of BP's top 10 prospects.

Billy going for it.

As a Cubs fan I understand we're not contending until 2017 at least, but you have to get a lot more than one top prospect in return for your two best pitchers. Absolutely stupid.

We'll have to see what the pundits say, but looks like Oakland gave up a lot...

25 year old SP with ML experience.
#11 pick of 2012 out of HS
#24 pick of 2013 out of HS
and a PTBNL

Early trade with potential to have gotten more... but we'll see how it turns out.

Interesting. For sure.

I'm definitely not blown away by the deal either. The cubs are loaded in the infield so I would expect Castro potentially being dealt. The cubs are desperate for young pitching and this only hurt that. They are going all in on position prospects and will be big spenders this next offseason on the mound. Well see how it all shakes out.

Per MLB Prospects it is the A's #1 and #2 Prospects.

Texas' top two prospects are:
Jorge Alfaro
Joey Gallo <- #39 pick in 2012.

Some Rangers prospects...
#23 pick in 2013 was Alex Gonzalez (22-RHP). - Currently in Frisco (AA), but was 2.62 ERA in A+ Myrtle Beach. Our #4 prospect according to MLB.
#29 pick in 2012 was Lewis Brinson (20-OF) is .335\10HR\7SB in A Hickory.

So a Rangers package of Nick Tepesch + Gallo + Alex Gonzalez + PTBNL; or Jorge Alfaro or Lewis Brinson

Jeff Samardzija is under Arb for 2015, but Hammel is FA after 2014.

Hammel was having a phenom 2014, but he brought less quality history than Matt Garza did last year. He wasn't going to provide you anything next season that wouldn't have cost you signing him, anyway.

Samar was having a phenom 2014, but his inconsistency would lead me to believe he was not a guy to build a franchise around. Much risk taking him with the extra year. He could easily be 4.+ ERA in 2015.

Cubs get a young SP that for all intents is exactly what they gave up but with 4 more years of team control.

Good trade for the Cubs and it will be great if the McKinney kid makes it.

Shark wasn't going to re-sign with the Cubs and Hammel is a sell high player. Love this deal for the Cubs. Neither player was going to be part of the Cubs in a year or two anyway.

Rays turned down this package for Price...gonna be fun to see someone top it.

Not sure what Oak offered Tampa. There is more risk in that trade than I think Tampa will get for Price.

1.5 yrs of Price is a solid investment, I would think. He has pitched in the AL and against good teams.

The Cubs have a reputation of dumping some pretty mediocre pitchers at their peak.

Big fan of the early trades -- Oakland will get an extra 4 starts out of him compared to a trade deadline deal.

I will never write-off the A's, but I'm ok with them going all-in on this year and next.

wow, the cubs are loaded with good prospects