By Jim Callis
November 18, 2003

The ever-wheeling and dealing Athletics made their first trade of the season on Tuesday and nearly completed a second. In a cost-cutting measure, Oakland sent Ted Lilly to Toronto for Bobby Kielty and a player to be named. In another financially motivated deal expected to be announced Wednesday, the A's would swap Ramon Hernandez and Terrence Long to the Padres for Mark Kotsay.

Lilly, a 27-year-old lefthander, had the best season of his career in 2003. He went 12-10, 4.34 in 32 games (31 starts), with a 147-58 strikeout-walk ratio and a .255 opponent average. He finished strong, going 7-3, 3.45 after the all-star break and allowed just two hits and one unearned run in seven innings in a Division Series start against the Red Sox. Lilly's timing was good, as his performance will earn him a significant raise from $335,000 as he's eligible for arbitration for the first time. His best pitch is his slider, and he also has a solid fastball and changeup. He owns a 22-24, 4.68 record in 96 career games.

Kielty, 27, was attractive to the A's because he's inexpensive and should upgrade their outfield production, a major weakness in 2003. It's his second trade in five months, after the Twins dealt him to the Jays in mid-July for Shannon Stewart and a player to be named. Kielty got his first regular dose of playing time this year, hitting .244/.358/.400 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs in 137 games. His speed, range and arm are all decent tools. A switch-hitter, Kielty has been far more effective against lefthanders (.919 OPS) than righties (.732) in the majors. He has hit .261/.367/.428 with 27 homers and 117 RBIs in 286 career games. He made $325,000 in 2003 and won't be arbitration-eligible until after next season.

Update: The Blue Jays completed the deal by sending cash considerations to the Athletics.