Offseason trades have always been a way for a team to enhance and strengthen its outlook for the upcoming season. These trades can go either way and many times can add to a foundation that leads to several years of winning seasons. My next four articles will highlight some of those significant offseason deals throughout Oakland Athletics’ history that augmented the team, leading to winning seasons with the A’s going to the postseason.
Part One, The 1972 to 1974 World Champs
When the A’s arrived in Oakland, they were already rich with young talent. The likes of Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, Bert Campaneris, Jim “Catfish” Hunter and Dick Green would form the core of the young team as well as would Joe Rudi and Vida Blue, who would come up to the big club in the next few years.