Beane doesn't see it like that, Donaldson is getting expensive fast and Lawrie if many things fall into place isn't such a bad cheap replacement. On top of that he got 3 more potential players, 2 of them could have an impact this year.
Obviously Donaldson gives you the better value by far but when you can't afford to keep your players, you gotta try to get the best package for them.
What i do wonder though, would Beane be able to get a better package if he tested the waters with other teams?