Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel

[Edwards Kings]

The A’s have dealt away two first-round picks – top prospect Addison Russell, a heralded shortstop, and outfielder Billy McKinney, as well as the best starter at Triple-A Sacramento, former Oakland rotation member Dan Straily, for Cubs starters Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel. The deal was first reported by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, I’ve confirmed the deals independently and I’m adding this: The A’s also will send a player to be named or cash to complete the deal.

So why would a team with Javier Baez fire sale to get Addison Russell? Are they going to flip one of them?

[DOUGHBOYS]

I had a high school coach who knew baseball better than most. His reckoning was that if a player can play shortstop, he could play anywhere but catcher or pitcher in the Major leagues.
Billy Hamilton is in Center.
Hanley plays third.
Ben Zobrist plays everywhere.
We have a bad habit of pigeon-holing these kids by position.
If a kid can hit, they'll find a place for them.

Just thinking out loud....
The Cubs lost out to the Yankees in their bid for Tanaka. I could see them giving a couple of these top prospects to the Rays if given permission, beforehand from them, to extend David Price's contract for a few more years.

[KJ Duke]

My guess is continue on the path of putting together a monster offense with cheap, young talent and when the time is right go get a free agent ace and other fillers that are good enough for a team that can hit and play D. I wouldn't bet they move hitting prospects, unless they sour on some of them. They already have a couple of project pitchers that are working out nicely.

Agree with Dough on the position movement; with Russell and Castro at ss or 3b, Baez goes to 2b, Rizzo 1b their long-term infield could be in place and there's plenty of talent in the OF too. Small ballpark with lots of young power hitters; Wrigley will be at its best since the Ryno/Dawson days.

[ToddZ]

Remember when the Texas Rangers were in such a huge bind because they had Mike Lamb blocking Mark Teixeira and Hank Blalock?

[headhunters]

you can never have enough great triple A hitters- just ask the royals.