Late least week, the Athletics traded All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays in a blockbuster deal. Then, earlier this week, we heard Donaldson was "at war" with GM Billy Beane by the end of the 2014 season, which may have led to the trade.On Wednesday, Beane shot down the notion that he traded Donaldson because of their deteriorating relationship, calling it "absurd."
Just talked with Beane On idea traded Donaldson due to fight with him: “It’s so absurd to respond further is to give it credibility” #A’s
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 3, 2014
Beane’s take was Donaldson was his best player and no way he is trading his best player due to a personality clash #Athletics
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 3, 2014
As juicy as this story would be, I'm inclined to believe Beane here. He's not stupid, he's not going to trade away his best player simply because the two don't get along. That would only compound the problem. He'd be taking a bad situation and making it worse.Do I believe Beane and Donaldson didn't get along? Sure, I can buy that. Do I think it led directly to the trade? Nah. It's more likely Beane and his staff simply like the players they received in return more than everyone watching at home. It wouldn't be the first time and won't be the last.Mike Axisa/CBS Sports
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