This one surprised me. Huddy was expected, but Mulder ? He was signed for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, with a team option for another. He faded very bad after the break last year with a 6+ era. His last 4 starts he absolutely stunk. When they need him the most, during the last 10 days, he really, really stunk.
Billy Beane is like the Jim Tressel of the A's: if he makes the move, than it's probably the right deal.
The A's drafted 2 catchers in their first few picks last year. I'm not sure why he wanted Barton. I don't know how a guy that's only been in the minors for 1 year can be considered one of the best catchers, but that's what I've read about Barton.
Funny thing is, of the A's big 3, I'd have figured Zito would have been the first to go, considering his problems since he won the Cy Young.
