It's being reported now that Billy Butler has signed a 3 year, $30 million deal with the Oakland A's.

 

My first thought: Billy Beane LOVED Jeremy Brown!!

The A's will need to trade for Terrance Gore to pinch run (but not attempt to steal) in the late innings...

"Put some avocados on that Country Breakfast, we're going to California!"

 

Seems like a classic Oakland DH, though an older, more expensive version. He doesn't hit for nearly as much power as, say, Frank Thomas or even David Justice, but he does get on base.

 

Billy likes bases on balls!

If Butler's 2014 was just an off year, this is a pretty reasonable deal. Offense is getting harder and harder to find these days. He has a history of providing it.

Not a fan of this decision, frankly. A rare blunder by Beane that actually costs money.