Here's the thought:   Milton Bradley and Jake Fox to the A's for Matt Holliday

Now before you go nuts thinking how ridiculous this sounds, let's read into the logistics:

Contracts: Milton - 2 years/$20M (2009-10), plus 2011 option

• 2 years/$20M (2009-10), plus 2011 option
  
  • signed by Chicago Cubs as a free agent 1/6/09
  • $4M signing bonus
  • 09:$5M, 10:$9M, 11:$12M option
    
  • 2011 may become $12M club option with $2M buyout based on Bradley's health
  • 2011 option vests with 75 games played in 2009

Contracts: Matt - 2 years/$23M (2008-09)

• 2 years/$23M (2008-09)
  • signed extension with Colorado 1/18/08 (avoided arbitration)
  • 08:$9.5M, 09:$13.5M
  • award bonuses: $25,000 each for All Star, Gold Glove; $50,000 for Silver Slugger; $75,000 for LCS MVP; $0.1M each for MVP, WS MVP
  • acquired by Oakland in trade from Colorado 11/12/08

Contracts: Jake  - 1 year/$0.4015M (2009)

• 1 year/$0.4015M (2009)
  • re-signed by Cubs 2/25/09

2009 Stats:

Milton:   OBP    SLG    OPS    wOBA
               .351    .374    .725    .328

Jake:   OBP    SLG    OPS    wOBA
             .354    .605    .959    .394

Matt:   OBP    SLG    OPS    wOBA
              .373    .432    .806    .359

Why it works for the A's:  Saves on payroll for 2010.  The city of Oakland seems to be a better fit for Milton.  He may thrive more in not-quite-as-high pressure situations.   Jake Fox gives Billy Beane an extra playing card to sign for a modest (possibly under-rated) salary next year, or quickly turn around and trade again.  You can argue that Jake is an upgrade over Giambi or Cust.

Why it works for the Cubs: Saves a couple of Million this year...possibly enough to acquire another left-handed reliever.  Or at least helps the numbers somewhat when Aaron Miles is unceremoniously dumped.  Fox really has no future with this team after Aramis returns.  This would also be a counter-punch to the Cardinals, who have been seeking to trade for Holliday before they got DeRosa.

Alright...that's my crazy idea for the season....flame away....