Mar 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning of an opening day baseball game at PNC Park. The Pirates won 1-0 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland set out to add a left-handed power bat to their lineup and a willing Billy Beane helped pave the way for this deal to come together relatively quickly. Moss brings some defensive versatility – he can handle both right field and first base – along with him to the Indians, giving Terry Francona another solid bat to work into the heart of the team’s lineup. Over his past three seasons, Moss has averaged 21 doubles, 25 home runs, and 73 RBI while batting .254/.340/.504.
Wendle has some question marks, but he’s a middle infield option that the A’s have reportedly been high on for some time. It’s believed that they specifically targeted him as discussions with Cleveland began.
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Next: Indians acquire Brandon Moss
While much of the baseball world waited to learn where Jon Lester was going to sign, the White Sox opted not to wait around and acted swiftly in addressing the biggest need on their pitching staff – a veteran right-handed arm. Enter Samardzija, who will step in the middle of a solid rotation that is flush with left-handers (Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, John Danks, and eventually Carlos Rodon). The lanky rightie is coming off the best single season of his career, but also entering his last year under contract before he’ll reach free agency. Samardzija made 33 starts in 2014 between the Chicago Cubs and A’s, posting a 2.99 ERA and 1.065 WHIP in 219 IP.
Oakland’s return was generally underwhelming, according to most. Semien is expected to step into the starting lineup immediately, but roles for the other players involved remain unclear.
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Picking up Butera was simply a depth move by the Angels, after the team had traded their incumbent backup catcher earlier in the offseason. Butera will provide leadership and experience behind the plate for the Mike Scioscia led team, but he brings little else to the table. The 31 year old is a .183/.239/.268 hitter for his career.
The player to be named later that will head to the Dodgers is not expected to be anyone of significance.
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