Among AL West GMs, Houston Astros Jeff Luhnow rules

David Forst (and Billy Beane), Oakland Athletics

With the venerable Beane’s oversight, Forst did improve the Athletics’ talent base, although he did it largely by disposal of bad assets rather than the acquisition of good ones.

The biggest improvement involved the creation of playing time by removal of such ne’er-do-wells as catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitchers Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson. Those three departures alone removed a potential 6.5 game handicap from Oakland’s rotation and catching corps.

Easily Forst’s largest contribution – it may have been the team’s saving grace – was his decision to re-sign free agent Mike Fiers for $8.1 million in December. In the context of the hits Oakland’s rotation took – particularly the PED suspension of Frankie Montas – Fiers’ 15.4 and 3.90 ERA in 33 starts had value beyond the 1.2 WAA it netted.

Rookie classes are generally liabilities, so the fact that Forst picked up a league-leading +1.0 WAA from his callups is also noteworthy. Outfielder Seth Brown debuted in late August but produced a .293 average. Jesus Luzardo didn’t arrive until September but delivered a 1.50 ERA in a half dozen relief appearances.

Short-term acquisitions: -2.6

Short-term trade losses: +1.9

Short-term free agent signings: -0.9

Short-term free agent losses: +6.5

Short-term rookie production: +1.0

Short-term total: +5.9