Oakland and Tampa Bay executed a trade as the Rays continue to stockpile for the future:

The Oakland Athletics have acquired infielder Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher John Jaso and a pair of minor league players.

The Rays also received top shortstop prospect Daniel Robertson, minor league outfielder Boog Powell and cash considerations.

Zobrist may be the definition of a Moneyball player. He posted fWARs over five during his last four seasons, and in five of the last six. He hits and fields, and can play a large number of positions. The Athletics will pay just $14.5 million for two years of that type of service.

While Boog Powell is not related to the famous Orioles first baseman, I look forward to broadcasters announcing, “They’re not saying boo.” Powell hasn’t produced power in the minors, but does a great job of getting on base. Robertson is similar.

The Athletics get someone who can help them compete this year, while the Rays stock their minors and get a catcher with some offensive value (and an old friend).