Weekdays at Bernie's, 2/26/16: Oakland A's add Chris Coghlan, complicate roster

Welcome back to Weekdays at Bernie's! It's the best dance in the game, so let's get rolling once more!

• The A's have traded right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for OF/IF Chris Coghlan, the team announced on Twitter. The move, while a solid addition to the club, is somewhat curious. Coghlan, a left-handed hitter, plays the outfield (primarily the corners), along with a little bit of second and third base. There isn't a clear spot for him to play every day, so GM David Forst says the team plans to utilize him in a Ben Zobrist-like fashion, reports Jane Lee of MLB.com. Overall, Coghlan is a nice, versatile depth addition, and the acquisition price was relatively low. For more, read either of Jeremy's articles on the trade.
• To replace Coghlan, the Cubs have shockingly re-signed outfielder Dexter Fowler to a one year contract with a mutual option for 2017, the team announced on Twitter. According to previous reports, Fowler had agreed to a three year, $33 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, so the move truly surprised all within the industry. The new deal will pay Fowler only $8 million in 2016, with a $9 million mutual option for 2017, $5 million of which is guaranteed through a buy-out. For more, read Ken Rosenthal's great piece on this strange situation.
• Former Athletic Mark Ellis will be helping out the A's middle infielders at Spring Training beginning March 6th, per Lee on Twitter. The second baseman was worth 21.9 fWAR over parts of nine seasons in the green and gold, and quickly became a fan favorite. He was a stellar defender at the keystone, and should do a great job helping out Marcus Semien, Jed Lowrie, Joey Wendle, and the rest of the A's middle infielders.
• The Orioles have restructured their deal with right-handed pitcher Yovani Gallardo and have announced their new contract on Twitter. The two parties had agreed on a three year, $35 million contract before Gallardo's physical caused the Orioles some concern. The new contract will be worth $22 million over two years with a $13 million team option for 2018, per Jon Heyman.

The Best Shape of My Life

• The Athletics' Snapchat story on Thursday was a compilation of Danny Valencia highlights, referencing the popular "Damn, Daniel" meme, and noting the A's signature white cleats.
• As he does every year, new A's reliever John Axford has made his Oscar predictions, he announced on Twitter. However, he will be waiting "a couple more days" to announce them. (link)