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Let's catch up on the AL West happenings since the end of the Winter Meetings.
Dec. 16: A's conclude Samardzija PTBNL by naming cash
The July 5 deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Athletics included a player to be named later, which was resolved by paying the Cubs cash considerations instead, says Carrie Muskat of mlb.com. If you're tracking players to be named, the A's are still owed a player to be named from the July 11 deal that sent Jeff Francis and cash to the New York Yankees.
Dec. 16: Angels acquire OF Matt Joyce from Rays for RHP Kevin Jepsen
The Angels announced they traded right-handed relief pitcher Kevin Jepsen to the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Matt Joyce. Jepsen has two years before he reaches free agency, and Joyce has one. Joyce could be a good DH partner for C.J. Cron, and improves the team's depth in the outfield.
Astros busy with free agent signings
Since the end of free agencies, the Astros have been busy bringing together multiple former Athletics.
Dec. 15: Sign SS Jed Lowrie
The Astros gave Jed Lowrie a three-year, $22 million with an additional club option for 2018 of $6 million or a $1 million buyout. Lowrie is expected to play shortstop. Infielder Gregorio Petit was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for him, says the Houston Chronicle's Evan Drelich.
Some trivia about Lowrie playing under Astros manager A.J. Hinch, he'll be playing for one of the players that spawned his eventual trade to the Athletics in the 2012-13 offseason:
Having come in the Brad Peacock deal, Jed Lowrie now plays for a mgr from which his #Athletics trade line was born. pic.twitter.com/s2jv7bS5P7
— Jeremy F. Koo (@jfkooAN) December 16, 2014
Dec. 15: Sign 1B Dan Johnson to a minor league deal
Journeyman Dan Johnson will continue his ride in American professional baseball for his age-35 season after signing a minor league deal with the Astros, says Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.
Rangers signing everything and everybody
The Rangers have been the most active with minor deals in the week since the Winter Meetings concluded.
Dec. 16: Sign RHP Kyuji Fujikawa
Reliever Kyuji Fujikawa signed for $1 million and incentives, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Dec. 15: Sign 1B/OF Kyle Blanks to split contract
Kyle Blanks, designated for assignment and non-tendered subsequent to the deal that sent the A's four players for Josh Donaldson, will player in the Texas Rangers organization next year.
Blanks receives split contract, has good chance of making team out of spring training if healthy. #Rangers
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 15, 2014
Kyle Blanks heading to #Rangers, as @ChrisCotillo reported. Will make $1M if he's on MLB roster. $600K in bonuses based on PA's.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 15, 2014
Dec. 12: Acquire LHP Ross Detwiler from Nationals for RHP Abel De Los Santos and INF Chris Bostick
Ross Detwiler, who switched to the bullpen last season for Washington, will join the Rangers with one year remaining before he hits free agency. Both Abel De Los Santos and Chris Bostick are 21-year-olds that played in the low minors last year.
Bostick was drafted by the A's in the 44th round of the 2011 draft, a round that no longer exists, and was sent to the Rangers as part of the deal that sent Michael Choice to Texas for Craig Gentry and Josh Lindblom.
