Just before the start of Spring Training the Houston Astros, and General Manager Jeff Luhnow, made another trade. The trade is more of what Astros fans have seen over the past few years: cutting payroll and the acquisition of minor league prospects.

SS Jed Lowrie and RP Fernando Rodriguez were sent to the Oakland A's for 1B Chris Carter, C Max Stassi and SP Brad Peacock. In an injury-shortened 2012, Lowrie led the Astros with 16 home runs.

Luhnow summed up the trade to the Houston Chronicle, "This trade gives us power, pitching and catching. Three valuable commodities that will help improve our organization.”

Last season, Carter hit 16 home runs for the A's in 67 games. He has played both 1B and DH in the major leagues for Oakland.

The Astros have three other 1B projected to make their Opening Day roster, barring any additional roster moves.  They are Brett Wallace, Carlos Pena and Rule 5 Draft Pick, Nate Freiman, who was acquired from San Diego.

Lowrie was set to be one of the higher paid Astros this season, at a salary of $2.4 million.

FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal projects Peacock to make the Astros starting rotation.

The 2013 season is the Astros first campaign in the American League West with the A's, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Texas Rangers.

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