Pitcher Cotton Joins Short List Of Players Dealt Between Chicago And Oakland
Rick Monday Is One Of The Most Well-Known Names On This Unusual Roster
The limited trade history of the two teams recently grew by one, even though it involved only a single player. The Oakland Athletics last week sent pitcher Jharel Cotton to the Chicago Cubs, who ended up not losing anyone.
In the deal the Cubs sent in return some cash to Oakland, marking just one of the rare trades between the two organizations. Here is a roster of the names involved in deals between the two teams, including two Hall of Famers, since Oakland's first season in 1967.
Starting Pitcher, Ken Holtzman
He became a member of the rotation that propelled the A's to a World Series in the early Seventies, having been shipped there from North Chicago.
Relief Pitcher, Dennis Eckersley
The future Hall of Famer was dealt for three minor leaguers during spring training in 1986, a year before helping his new club to three straight American League pennants.
Catcher, Geovany Soto
After spending his first eight years with the Cubs, he found himself in Oakland for only fourteen games before going back to Chicago as a member of the White Sox.
Left Field, Billy Williams
Eventually to earn enshrinement in Cooperstown, he was traded from the Cubs for Manny Trillo and lefthander Darold Knowles in what proved to be his last Major League season in 1975.
Center Field, Rick Monday
On his way to becoming a popular broadcaster Monday was traded from Oakland for pitcher Ken Holtzman in 1971.
Right Field, Pat Bourque
His name implies a career in the National Hockey League, but Bourque was traded by the Cubs for Gonzalo Marquez in 1971.
First Base, Todd Walker
In Chi-Town he played all over the infield, but in his last and only season for the Athletics he was primarily a first baseman.
Second Base, Vance Law
After finding disfavor in the Windy City, the son of Major League pitcher Vernon Law signed on to play in the Bay Area before the start of the 1991 season.
Shortstop, Luis Quinones
He was traded by Oakland for a former All-Star slugger who, on this team, is playing right next to him.
Third Base, Ron Cey
"Penguin" was shipped from North Chicago in 1986 for Quinones.
