DETROIT -- Two is better than one.
That, in a nutshell, is why Mike Fiers was traded to the Oakland Athletics on Monday rather than a week ago.
Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila said the Tigers said the Athletics' original offer only included one minor-leaguer. In the trade consummated on Monday, the Tigers will get to select two players from an agreed-upon list of mid-level minor-leaguers.
None of the listed players are likely to be top-ranked prospects, which is why quantity was important. Getting two lottery tickets effectively doubles your odds of winning.