1/10/15

Athletics Acquire Zobrist, Escobar in Five-Player Deal

The Oakland Athletics acquired infielders Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for catcher John Jaso, infielder Daniel Robertson, and outfielder Boog Powell. Zobrist, 33, has played in 1064 career games for the Rays. He has a career batting average of .264 with 114 home runs and 511 runs batted in. He is a two-time All Star selection. Escobar, 32, has played in 1074 career games for the Braves, Blue Jays, and Rays. He has a career batting average of .276 with 69 home runs and 393 runs batted in. Jaso, 31, has played in 480 career games for the Rays, Mariners, and Athletics. He has a career batting average of .259 with 32 home runs and 182 runs batted in. Robertson, 20, spent the 2014 season with Class-A Stockton. In 132 games, he hit .310 with 15 home runs and 60 runs batted in. Powell, 22 on Wednesday, split the 2014 season with Class-A Beloit and Class-A Stockton. In 83 games, he hit .343 with three home runs and 28 runs batted in.