Two-Way Street

The Yankees have traded Brett Gardner, who many believe will make a significant impact, if not in 2008 then in 2009, and prospects Austin Jackson and Dellin Betances to the Oakland Athletics for relief pitcher Huston Street and outfield prospect Ryan Sweeney.


Source

Now, I know that the rain out addles neurons, but I can't quite see the benefit of this trade. I mean, for Oakland it's easy enough when your outfield is Mark Kotsay, Chris Denorfia and Jack Cust and you have some starting pitching questions, but that's like Billy Beane, fleecing the farm system. I mean, I've heard nothing but good about AJax and Betances, and if you look at Sweeney's career numbers, we don't seem to be getting too much in return.

I'm generally a Cashman fan, but this one has me baffled.