Wow. Rangers and A’s swung a pretty big deal this morning. Oakland sends LHP Mario Ramos, RHP Erik Hiljus, 1B Jason Hart, and C Gerald Laird to Texas for 1B Carlos Pena and LHP Mike Venafro. Intriguing trade for both clubs. Ramos and Hiljus presumably will be competing for a spot in the Texas rotation, while Pena appears to be a good candidate to replace Jason Giambi in the Oakland lineup. I’m sure Jamey Newberg will have much to say on this.

In a move of slightly lower magnititude, the Padres signed RHP Matt DeWitt. Not exactly earth-moving but he should add depth to the Portland bullpen and could show up with the big club at some point during the summer.