Twins steal Tommy Milone amid Oakland's trade frenzy

Milone: 6-3, 3.55 ERA, 61 SO in 2014

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Oakland Athletics have made it very clear that they are going all-out to win the World Series in 2014. Star slugger Yoenis Cespedes and three prospects have been sent packing to bring in starting pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel and Jon Lester.

But while the A's are looking to win a World Series, one of the losers in this trade was concerned about his own place in Oakland. Tommy Milone made it clear after he was optioned to the minor leagues on July 5 that he would rather play for another Major League team in 2014 then wait for his turn in Oakland. General Manager Billy Beane chose to move the 27-year-old starter to Triple-A to make room for Samardzija and Hammel, who were acquired on July 4.

In wake of the blockbuster move on Thursday that brought yet another star arm to Oakland in Lester, the Minnesota Twins made an excellent move to snatch Milone from the crowded A's organization in exchange for 32-year-old outfielder Sam Fuld.

Milone gives the Twins a strong rotation arm for the future, as the lefty moves to the Twin Cities with a 6-3 record and 3.55 ERA. In fact, the newest Twin should battle Phil Hughes for the title of ace as soon as he arrives in Minnesota.

Though the A's had little choice but to trade Milone, the Twins absolutely stole the talented youngster from Beane's clutches. Minnesota sent Fuld, who was on a one-year contract, and gained a possible rotation arm for many years.

Minnesota won't compete for the AL Central this season, but Milone could be a valuable piece towards being competitive in the future.