When the Chicago Cubs traded Dennis Eckersley in 1987 to the Oakland A’s, this was considered a demotion, or even a last chance of sorts.  “Eck” had been a starter in the Majors since 1975, and he had made two All-Star Games, but his alcoholism was threatening to take him out.  Oakland’s Manager, Tony LaRussa, envisioned him as a set-up man, which Is the role he took until Jay Howell, their existing closer got hurt.  Eckersley took on that new position, and it would eventually put him into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Max Bishop was one of the better defensive players of his day and had there been a Gold Glove award in his day, and there is a good chance that he would have nabbed a few.

Barry Zito was with the Oakland A's for the first seven seasons of his career, and for a time, he was one of the elite hurlers of the American League.  Zito debuted in 2000 and was a 17-game winner in 2001.  The curveball specialist's best year came right after when he had a league-leading 23 Wins (against only five losses) had 182 Strikeouts with a 2.75 Earned Run Average.  He would win the Cy Young Award that year.

Tim Hudson was with the Oakland A's for the first six seasons of his MLB career.  Hudson was one of the highest regarded pitchers in his time in Oakland, and his 92-39 record there was one of the highest winning percentages in baseball.