As amusing as it is to send $20 MM to the Yankees... the A's put more emphasis on arm strength/pop time than framing and there's a down grade from Wells to Langeliers. How has Lalane's stuff looked since coming back from the IL? And is there an ETA for Cunningham's return?

Sorry for the delayed response. Cunningham actually starts tonight (Wed. 8/13). So he is good to go going forward. Lalane has pitched conservatively (12 innings) since the end of June and is still looking to regain his control (6 walks and 10 strikeouts) which is to be expected post injury. Stuff still looks good from what I have heard. 6’ 7” lefties are enticing though and figured the A’s would be interested. He is 40 man eligible this offseason and we have had other pitchers surpass him. The Severino thing was more of a tongue in cheek thing. I just know both parties have kind of had it with one another and that at cheap (say $12 million AAV) he would be a good depth fit for a reunion with the Yankees as Cole and Schmidt come back next season. As far as the catcher swap it is mostly in the sense that Wells and Shea are comparable defensively (at least according to statcast) that Shea’s RH bat would fit in better with Ben Rice at Catcher next year. As we have three LH hitting catchers. Since Langelliers is the much better bat the pitching prospects would cover the difference in value. Also Wells is technically a couple years younger and has more team control I think. Anyway just an interesting exercise. Appreciate the response.