World Series Champions Reap The Benefits Of Billy Beane’s Wheeling And Dealing
By Jason Leary
![Nov 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate after game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians outside of Wrigley Field. Cubs won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports Nov 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate after game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians outside of Wrigley Field. Cubs won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9313f78ccc60fa176b37df6b0dbe2bc18ed02957c1d05f9c453f417270431370.jpg)
2015: Kansas City Royals
There’s just one former Beane asset here. But what a pivotal player Ben Zobrist proved to be in K.C.’s run to the title (and Chicago’s this season). Zobrilla was only with the A’s in 2015 long enough for Oakland to flip him to the Royals for Manaea. Good call for Kansas City since flags fly forever. But as we’ve all seen players such as Manaea don’t stick around very long with Beane leading the front office. If history teaches us anything, Manaea will probably be getting fitted for a World Series ring with another franchise in 3 to 4 years.