By Jim Callis
December 18, 2003

A deal rumored for a while happened on Thursday. But sorry, Red Sox fans, it didn't involve Alex Rodriguez. Instead, the Athletics made their fourth move in as many days, acquiring Chris Hammond from the Yankees for two minor leaguers, righthander Edwardo Sierra and infielder J.T. Stotts. New York also kicked in some cash to pay for Hammond's salary.

Hammond, a 37-year-old lefthander, parlayed his stunning 0.95 ERA in 2002 into a two-year, $4.8 million guaranteed contract as a free agent. He wasn't nearly as effective in 2003, as he didn't pitch as well as his 3-2, 2.86 record in 62 games might indicate. Opponents batted .270 against him, while righties tagged him for a .292 average and an .801 OPS. He also had a 45-11 strikeout-walk ratio in 63 innings. After the Yankees acquired fellow lefty relievers Felix Heredia and Gabe White during the season, Hammond became an afterthought and made just one appearance in the postseason. His out pitch is a changeup, and he also uses a high-80s fastball and a mediocre slider. He'll make $2.4 million in 2004, with a team option for $3 million or a $200,000 buyout in 2005. He owns a 56-59, 4.16 record with two saves in 316 career games.

Sierra, 21, signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1999. He had arguably the best arm in the Oakland system. When he's on, he's unhittable with his 93-97 mph fastball and his splitter. His command and splitter are inconsistent, however. He became a full-time reliever in 2003 at low Class A Kane County, where he went 3-5, 2.09 with 17 saves in 51 games. In 60 innings, he had a 52-24 K-BB ratio and held hitters to a .204 average and two homers.

Stotts, 23, was a third-round pick out of Cal State Northridge in 2001. He split this year between high Class A Modesto and Double-A Midland, hitting .293/.368/.361 with two homers, 51 RBIs and 15 steals in 121 games. He's a contact hitter with on-base skills, good speed and little power. He shows average defensive tools at shortstop, but can get inconsistent with his throws and may wind up as a second baseman or utilityman.