This was old school.

Back in the days when big league players were traded for other big league players, when baseball general managers wheeled and dealed and worried less about risks and public relations, A's GM Billy Beane and Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington pulled off what could be the biggest blockbuster on trade deadline day.

Yes, you read that right. Oakland, which already acquired July 31, 2014

For Boston, they'll dearly miss Lester, but expected to lose him to free agency after the season was over anyway. Instead of trading for a couple prospects, they landed Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes, who has hit more home runs this year (17) than the entire Boston outfield (14). It's also fair to note that Cespedes has played most of his career in a pitcher's park and could benefit from smacking balls off the Green Monster on a regular basis.

But while Cespedes has speed to burn and plays terrific defense, he's an incomplete player. His on-base percentage is below league average, he makes a lot of outs, and could demand a long-term contract that, at age 29, might be an albatross. That's why Oakland felt he was worth moving.

It's clear, however, that the Red Sox believe they will be contenders next season, and are gearing up their team for that eventuality.

The trade does leave Oakland a bit short in the outfield, even with the inclusion of Jonny Gomes in the deal. Gomes has had an unproductive season this year, and it's not crazy to think Beane might still be willing to deal for one of the outfielders on the market.

This is a classic, old-time baseball trade that makes sense for both sides, and carries with it a lot of risk as well. But there is no doubt about it: Billy Beane is going all-in for his first world championship.