A's Acquire Holliday

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Oakland Athletics acquired Matt Holliday from the Colorado Rockies.

The A's came out of nowhere for the trade. The Phillies and Cardinals were rumored as trade possibilities for Holliday. Ryan Ludwick was the Cardinals main trade bait. Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, and J.A. Happ were among possibilities of a trade for Holliday for the Phillies.

The package for Holliday includes Carlos Gonzalez, Huston Street, and Greg Smith.

Billy Beane, the A's GM has had a reputation of trading away players at the deadline for prospects. Perhaps this year is not the case as he may feel the A's have a chance to contend in 2009. If that isn't the case, then we could see an old stunt by the A's as they could trade Holliday to a contending team for prospects.

Holliday has one year on his contract left, so he will likely become a free agent after the 2009 season unless he is re-signed. With Scott Boras as his agent, it is likely the 2007 MVP runner up will test the free agent market.

Phillies Note: Phillies resign relief pitcher Scott Eyre. Eyre signed a 1 year, $2 million contract. Also, Jimy Williams will not return as bench coach in 2009.