In addition to signing Manny Ramirez, the Athletics traded All-Star pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill for prospects this winter. "What we did was acquire a lot of young players," general manager Billy Beane said. "In areas where we could use immediate help, we acquired someone who could step in." Oakland also sent two-time All-Star closer Andrew Bailey to Boston for outfielder Josh Reddick and two minor leaguers. Bob Melvin defended the moves Tuesday, saying he avoids using the term "rebuilding." "I prefer to use retooling or reshuffling," he said. "The first wave of trades was to enhance our system. We like Cahill and we like Gio, but we brought back more. Now you see what you have left financially to go out and try to make the team better."