"The A's completed a rare trifecta Wednesday, trading away their third All-Star pitcher in a span of 20 days.

Closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney were shipped to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Josh Reddick and two minor leaguers -- corner infielder Miles Head, 20, and right-hander Raul Alcantara, 19.

The move was no shocker. After Trevor Cahill was traded to Arizona on Dec. 9 and fellow starter Gio Gonzalez was dealt to Washington on Friday, it was common knowledge that Bailey would go next as the A's continue dismantling their roster and stockpiling prospects.

But whereas those around the majors generally applauded the packages the A's got for Cahill and Gonzalez, the initial reviews weren't quite as favorable on this deal.

Jon Heyman of cbsports.com wrote that the deal "looks like a steal" for Boston.

One major league scout, requesting anonymity, told this newspaper that the A's didn't obtain enough for Bailey and Sweeney, given how unproven Head and Alcantara are.

"Whoa," the scout said. "Somebody's gotta have a pretty good crystal ball. Those guys are so far away. What's the certainty of them being what they think they are?"

The A's are intent on upgrading a farm system that they feel lacks impact players. "