The stench of this A's season did produce some tangible benefits. Well, at least one tangible benefit. That being a top 10, protected pick, in the 2016 MLB Draft. The pick is No. 6 overall, in fact. As luck would have it for the A's (luck of the good variety and the A's usually don't belong in the same sentence), one analyst says this draft has a top tier of six players. Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs presented his sortable draft board the other day:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/introducing-the-2016-2018-sortable-draft-ranking-boards/

Obviously, many things will change between now and the draft, but it is fun to dream on what could be for the A's in the upcoming draft. Corey Ray or Buddy Reed patrolling CF for the A's? Um, yes please! The draft board also includes 2017 and 2018 prospects for those who really like to dream.

PS - Kiley McDaniel announced he was leaving Fangraphs to join the Braves organization. This makes me sad as it is hard to find good (and free) analysis of prospects and the draft these days. I am hopeful Fangraphs will find a capable replacement.