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In a three-team trade announced by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Oakland Athletics came up huge in this offseason’s first large trade.

And to think, it isn’t even technically the offseason yet.

Here are the details: The Oakland A’s received outfielder Chris Young from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for converted-second baseman Cliff Pennington and prospect Yordy Cabrera. The D-Backs then sent Cabrera to the Miami Marlins for closer Heath Bell.

Arizona gets a pitcher and an infielder, Miami a prospect and Oakland an outfielder.

The trade is arguably a fantastic move for all three organizations. Each team fills a particular need, and at what is hoped to be a low cost. But it’s the ages, talent and worth of all four men involved that places the A’s in the winner’s circle of this trade.

Here are four reasons for that designation. 

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The Detroit Tigers took Game 1 of the 2012 ALDS, beating the Oakland Athletics 3-1. Though the team is down one game in a five-game series, there’s no reason for worry—yet.

The game opened up with excitement as leadoff batter Coco Crisp hit a home run against Tigers ace Justin Verlander.

However, Verlander regained composure as the game progressed, striking out 11 A’s batters along the way. Jose Valverde came into for the save.

It was a pitching duel—one decided by defense.

Though the A’s didn’t hit particularly well, there was still plenty of positive takeaways from the Oct. 6 ALDS opener.

Here are nine reasons A’s fans should remain calm.

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The Oakland Athletics have a glaring hole at third base—one that could be filled effectively by Brandon Inge.

The former Detroit Tiger was cut Thursday, ending a 12-year career in the Motor City.

Inge is only a .234 career hitter.

In nine games this season, he’s 2-for-20, and his .100 batting average is well below the Mendoza Line.

Still, there’s a couple of reasons the A’s should take a chance on Inge.

The Current Incumbents Aren’t Great

As of right now, the two players receiving the most repetitions at third base are Eric Sogard and Josh Donaldson.

Donaldson is a converted catcher. He hasn’t manned third base since college, and it’s obvious.

He’s made three errors and owns a .917 fielding percentage.

His hitting is worse.

Donaldson is 3-for-21 (.097). He has just one RBI.

The better option is Sogard, who played second base and some shortstop in Triple-A.

But Sogard is hitting .167/.239/.333.

Luckily, of his seven hits, he’s hit a double and two home runs. He’s also scored six runs.

Defensively, Sogard has two errors. He’s had six less chances to field a ball than Donaldson and nearly the same amount of errors. His fielding percentage is .933.

Then there’s Luke Hughes.

Three errors in two games at third base combined with an 0-for-6 batting average doesn’t make him a feasible option at this point.

Brandon Inge is an upgrade defensively.

He only played in eight games with the Tigers in 2012 before getting cut, but he only made one error. (The error was at second base.)

He’s spent most of his big league experience at third base, and his career fielding percentage is .961 at the hot corner.

The A’s have players who are filling in at third base. They aren’t actually third basemen.

But Inge is the opposite.

He’s a third baseman who has filled in elsewhere as needed constantly throughout his career.

Brandon Inge Could Benefit From a Change of Scenery

Yes, his hitting is atrocious.

But Oakland could be the rebound he needs.

Inge has been under the pressure of losing his job in Detroit for the last several years. He’s been bounced around from position to position. He’s constantly had the prospect of being cut lurking over his shoulder and zero consistency.

Now, he’s just been cut from the team he called home for his entire career.

Questions loom whether this is it for his baseball career. But if he’s not ready, he has to use this as a spark.

No one wants to leave the game hitting .100, cut in April. Most want to leave the game behind on their own terms.

It’s the perfect fit.

One last chance for Inge, and Oakland needs a third baseman. I’m not saying Inge will come in and magically hit .350 and carry the team to the playoffs.

Not even close.

The A’s have only five players hitting above .200. If Inge can man third effectively and hit .230, it’d be a win-win for both sides.

It’s not going to hurt Oakland’s budget any either.

Inge currently makes $5.5 million. Due to being released, Detroit must pay the majority of his contract whether he sits at home or suits up for someone else.

All the A’s have to pay is the pro-rated minimum salary for a veteran of his stature.

Upgrade at defense? Absolutely.

Cheap? Definitely.

Can he hit as well as anyone else on the team? I’m sure he can.

If he can’t, it’s not hurting the A’s any.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy owners who missed out on Jose Bautista and other monster bats need not worry—James Loney and more will still be available to add some seriously underrated pop to your lineup.

Each year, participants look for steals. The expectation is that these late-rounders produce just enough to suffice.

The players on this list will do more than that.

They’re that final piece—the one that transitions your squad from middle of the pack to top dog.

Best of all, you can sneak them late.

James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

Loney is consistent for a .288 batting average, 160 hits, 12 home runs and 85 RBI.

These aren’t bad stats at all.

Loney turns 28 this season, so he’s now in the thick of his prime.

That being said, there are no more excuses for Loney not to burst through the ceiling he’s made for himself.

The Dodgers’ financial situation has been solved. He’s surrounded by talented players such as Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. He’s playing in a contract year.

Loney is entering his seventh season in the majors. Look for him to produce his best season to date.

Projected 2012 stats: .292 BA, 179 hits, 19 HR, 94 RBI.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

In just 48 games last season, Goldschmidt hit a respectable .250.

More impressively, he hit eight home runs and 26 RBI in the same span.

Furthermore, most of his production came late in the season, helping the Diamondbacks over the hump and into playoffs.

In four playoff games in 2011, he hit .438 with two home runs and six RBI.

Look for Goldschmidt, only 24 years old, to enter 2012 still hot.

His confidence is already high from last year and now he’s surrounded by an upgraded offense and pitching staff.

Goldschmidt will definitely be around late for you to steal.

Projected 2012 stats: .282 BA, 158 hits, 23 HR, 85 RBI.

Lucas Duda, RF, New York Mets

In just over half a season, Duda hit .292 with 88 hits, 10 home runs and 50 RBI.

He has the consistency to put up similar numbers in the same amount of games.

Duda will be a full-time starter in 2012, so all of his stats should rise with near 162 games.

One scouting report compares Duda’s production to that of Aubrey Huff, Raul Ibanez and fellow sleeper candidate Brennan Boesch.

With mumblings of David Wright possibly on the move, Duda may be forced into being “the guy” for the Mets.

For Duda, that’ll be even better.

Projected 2012 stats: .285 BA, 141 hits, 18 HR, 88 RBI.

Colby Rasmus, CF, Toronto Blue Jays

Rasmus is a consistent hitter who is only getting better with age.

Lucky for fantasy owners, he’s only 25 years old. His production should continue to rise.

In 35 games with the Blue Jays last season, Rasmus hardly dazzled.

But coming over late in the season from the eventual World Series champions to an out of contention AL East team could plague anyone’s season with letdown.

2012 is Rasmus’ time to shine.

The Blue Jays are poised to surprise many this year.

The team has patiently put together a young team of studs who can compete with the best. The addition of another wild-card spot helps those chances too.

Surrounded by talent, the expectation is that Rasmus will contribute at a high level.

He’s shown he can do it.

In his best season at 23 years old, he hit .276 with 23 home runs, 66 RBI and 12 stolen bases. Look for Rasmus to produce similar, if not, better numbers in every category this season.

Projected 2012 stats: .279 BA, 152 hits, 19 HR, 79 RBI.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

If you have a top pick, you absolutely must snag a pitcher like Justin Verlander—your fantasy rotation depends on it.

Like a quarterback in fantasy football, many hesitate to select pitchers with their first pick or two. Your hesitation will lead to an opponent’s victory.

Wins, innings pitched, ERA, WHIP and strikeouts count most in fantasy baseball.

Here is the 5-5-5 list. Five pitchers who will end up in the top five in all five categories.

Get them before it’s too late.

Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

Verlander is similar to Aaron Rodgers.

Most scoffed at the friend who used their first pick on Rodgers, only to watch the quarterback put up 50 points every Sunday. That friend likely went to playoffs.

Verlander is no different. Draft him and he may single-handedly take you to the top of the leaderboard. Last season, he led the league in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and WHIP. His efforts landed him the AL CY Young and MVP awards.

Barring injury, nothing will change.

Since his Rookie of the Year season in 2006, Verlander has been in the top five for Cy Young contention three times.

Projected 2012 stats: 26 wins, 2.36 ERA, 260 innings pitched, 0.97 WHIP and 244 strikeouts.

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

If Verlander is off the board, there’s no disappointment in “settling” for Kershaw.

Kershaw is looking a lot like Justin Verlander 2.0 these days and is only 24 years old.

Kershaw finished second in wins, strikeouts and WHIP, and had a league best 2.28 ERA.

It’s worth mentioning that the two biggest sluggers in the National League—Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols—signed with American League teams.

Kershaw should continue to dominate the NL with ease.

Projected 2012 stats: 24 wins, 2.44 ERA, 244 innings pitched, 1.01 WHIP and 257 strikeouts.

Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

Halladay might be taken as the first pitcher in any draft based on of his name alone.

The name Halladay has become synonymous with dominant. Rightfully so.

He’s been in the top five for Cy Young considerations seven times, winning twice. Since 2008, he’s averaged nine complete games and four shutouts.

In 233 innings last season, Halladay maintained a 2.35 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. He also struck out 220 batters on his way to 19 wins.

This season, with an aging offense and an injured Ryan Howard, the pitching staff will be tasked with shouldering more of the load.

Halladay won’t have any problems with that.

Projected 2012 stats: 22 wins, 2.67 ERA, 242 innings, 0.98 WHIP and 235 strikeouts.

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

If you miss out on Halladay, the next Phillies pitcher in line is equally amazing.

One might think switching to his fourth team in three years could mess with his psyche. Clearly it did not.

Lee pitched to 17 wins and six shutouts in 2011. In 232 innings, he kept a 2.40 ERA and 1.027 WHIP while striking out 238 batters.

Lucky for him and fantasy owners, it looks like Philadelphia will be his home the entire season.

Projected 2012 stats: 19 wins, 2.45 ERA, 255 innings, 1.00 WHIP, 247 strikeouts.

Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks

I’m sure you expected names like CC Sabathia or Jered Weaver in this spot. You’re right. Draft them high.

But what’s the point of list full of guys you expected to see?

Here’s one under the radar candidate.

A 21-game winner last season, Kennedy struck out 198 batters in 222 innings. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He also placed fourth in NL Cy Young voting.

Kennedy will be even better this year and will be able to carry a team like Halladay or Lee.

He’s baseball’s version of Cam Newton. A question mark that everyone laughed at when he was taken so high. Only Newton owners were laughing in the end. Kennedy is that guy.

Projected 2012 stats: 23 wins, 2.52 ERA, 246 innings, 1.02 WHIP, 228 strikeouts.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Unless the Oakland Athletics produce a magical first half, general manager Billy Beane will sell off assets like Kurt Suzuki and cut duds like Jonny Gomes by the trade deadline.

Beane is widely known for pulling the trigger on blockbuster deals year after year.

With a roster that mirrors a Triple-A affiliate, competing against the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels will be no easy task.

A weak roster and a trade-happy GM? 2012 will be no different from the last five seasons—the A’s will be sellers at the trade deadline.

The question is: Who’s going to spend their last months in green and gold?

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Fantasy baseball owners hoping to sneak underrated players with quality power and speed need look no further than Will Venable.

The San Diego Padres right fielder will likely be overlooked, as is the case for three other similar players on this list.

Your opponents’ misses are your gain.

These late-round steals offer fantastic versatility. They’ll produce home runs and provide plenty of points through stolen bases.

Patient, risk-taking owners will profit from Venable and more, while friends mistake bigger names as better talent.

Here are the four guys who will be available and will round out your squad nicely.

Will Venable

Venable will be disregarded merely because of the team he plays for—the Padres are awful.

Awful teams must be filled with awful players, right?

Wrong!

Venable hits a consistent .250, nothing overwhelming, but he’ll still give you around 15 home runs and 50 RBI.

Better yet, he’ll net you 30 stolen bases.

Decent numbers for a mid-round guy. Great numbers for a player who will fall to the later rounds.

Jordan Schafer

In just 82 games last season, Schafer hit two home runs and stole 22 bases.

At just 25 years old, Schafer has found a home as the starting center fielder with the Houston Astros.

Now that he finally has the opportunity to play a full season with one team, he will benefit and so should fantasy owners.

He has the speed to steal 30 bases and enough pop to hit around a dozen home runs.

Schafer, like Venable, plays for a bad team—the Houston Astros—so he’ll likely be forgotten by many when they’re putting together their draft boards.

If you’re daring enough to acquire Schafer, you won’t be sorry.

Tyler Pastornicky

The 22-year-old shortstop finds himself starting for the Atlanta Braves.

When considering players from the NL East, most fantasy owners will look at the big names on the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins.

Even those who look at the Braves will likely pass over Pastornicky for Brian McCann, Jason Heyward and even Martin Prado, yet Pastornicky has the stuff to garner Rookie of the Year consideration.

In the minors, he averaged about six home runs and 35 stolen bases. The minor leagues haven’t provided him an opportunity to play in more than 125 games though.

His power and speed should continue to develop, and given 30 more games a season, Pastornicky can produce eight to 10 home runs and 40 stolen bases.

Dexter Fowler

In his fifth year, Fowler will benefit from consistency as the everyday center fielder.

Like Pastornicky, Fowler will be passed up by owners reviewing the Colorado Rockies lineup for bigger names such as Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.

Fowler averages about five home runs each season, but hitting at Coors Field, there’s always hope he can produce more.

If he can stay healthy and start in 30 more games than he normally does, his numbers can easily rise.

Though he stole a low number of bases the last two seasons, he has the speed to steal over 25, as shown in 2009.

He’s only 26 years old, so he has youth on his side. Consistency and development will make him worth a look in 2012.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy baseball owners beware: Don’t fall for the seemingly incredible 2011 statistics of players like Melky Cabrera and others. Sure, they had great seasons last year. But they’re still streaky hitters.

As each new session of fantasy baseball nears, fans fall in love with players who produced so significantly last year that they must be hot commodities now. If they don’t snag them early, the thinking goes, someone else definitely will.

Let them.

Here’s a look at four players who will lead you to believe they’re going to do wondrous things for your squad, only to have you shaking your head in regret.

Melky Cabrera

Last season, Cabrera hit a very impressive .305 with over 200 hits, 18 home runs and 87 RBI. Unfortunately, it’s the first time since 2006 that he hit over .275.

2011 was also only the second time he’s ever hit double-digit home runs.

Cabrera is too inconsistent to draft early.

Consider the fact that, as the next big New York Yankee outfielder, the Yankees were comfortable shipping him to the Atlanta Braves. The Braves didn’t see enough to consider him a necessity, as they traded him to the Royals, and even after last year’s dazzle, the Kansas City Royals traded him.

They wisely capitalized on Cabrera at his highest value. You won’t receive the same in return.

Alex Rios

Toward the middle of the draft, or even late in the draft, you might look at big-name players still on the board that most have given up on. You may consider players who once had thunder and could be a terrific steal for your roster.

Alex Rios is not that guy.

He has the power to put up double-digit home runs and the speed to eclipse 20 stolen bases. But he’s too streaky to be trusted.

Furthermore, the Chicago White Sox are likely sellers by the trade deadline, which means Rios may find a new home.

Selecting a player facing questions about whether or not his new digs can provide a rebirth just isn’t worth the trouble. After all, Chicago was supposed to be the rebirth.

Corey Hart

It might be tempting to think Corey Hart, the Milwaukee Brewers’ next-most-powerful slugger after Ryan Braun, is the guy who steps up in Prince Fielder’s absence.

Erase those feelings now.

Hart can’t be trusted due to inconsistencies in nearly every category.

A .280 average is respectable, but Hart has shown the propensity to hit at the .260 level in back-to-back seasons as well. His home runs are all over the place as well. Since 2008, he’s hit 20, 12, 31 and 26, respectively.

His runs batted in show the same up-and-down trend. Since 2008, Hart has produced 91, 48, 102 and 63 RBI, respectively.

Hart’s biggest issue is his health (no pun intended). He has had a difficult time staying on the field throughout his career. In an eight-year career, he’s played a full season just once.

Michael Cuddyer

Cuddyer had such a good season in 2011 that he garnered a three-year, $31.5 million contract from the Colorado Rockies.

Like the Rockies, fantasy owners are salivating at the idea of Cuddyer in Major League Baseball’s most hitter-friendly park, Coors Field.

First, Cuddyer is coming off a season in which injuries reduced his time to 139 games. He’s going to be 33 years old this season, so fantasy owners should question how he will rebound in 2012.

Not only is injury a concern, but Cuddyer is switching teams for the first time in his career. Likewise, he makes the jump from the American League to the National League. Nearly every pitcher in the AL Central lacking the last name Verlander is streaky.

In 2012, Cuddyer will match his talents on a regular basis against guys like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Clayton Kershaw and Ian Kennedy.

Good luck to him.

And good luck to you if you fall for it and draft him.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Though several National League teams have suffered key free-agent losses, many are still poised to compete for a playoff spot in 2012.

While some clubs have stood pat in hopes of maintaining playoff-caliber teams, others have frantically added to their rosters in order to unseat an incumbent.

There are 16 teams in three divisions vying for five postseason spots.

Which underdogs have done enough this offseason to make a run and who at the top can hold them off?

Here is the 2012 National League outlook.

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After missing out on Prince Fielder in free agency, the Seattle Mariners must inquire with other teams about a player who can propel them to the playoffs immediately.

It’s not going to be easy.

Fielder is a premiere player. His talents are duplicated by few.

Most superstars of Fielder’s caliber are already on teams looking at a playoff run. Those teams are unlikely to part with any player who will provide a boost into the postseason.

Instead, the Mariners will have to hope for the best. They’ll need a diamond in the rough.

They’re off to a good start by acquiring Jesus Montero. He’ll certainly contribute very soon. Ichiro Suzuki remains a top talent and Dustin Ackley has a bright future.

But they need more pieces in place if they want to compete now.

Here’s a couple of players the Mariners should look at to help fill the void.

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