In breaking news, Billy Beane has shipped the Oakland A's ace, Tim Hudson, to the Atlanta Braves for three young players who, well, won't cost so much. From Atlanta's point of view, we think this may have something to do with the Mets signing Pedro Martinez. So the "Big Three" is now down to two, and since Mulder seems to have problems with his back and shoulder and Zito with his head, the days of A's pitching dominance may well be over unless Mark Redman and Rich Harden become the stars they looked like in triple-A.

Trust SFist -- the rest of the pitching-poor AL West is uttering a collective sigh of relief. Look for the Angel's Vladimir Guerrero to hit 300 dingers next season.

Check Elephants in Oakland for more thorough analysis and continuing coverage.