The Oakland Athletics have begun their expected changes leading up to the trade deadline, sending left-hander Scott Kazmir to his hometown Houston Astros for a pair of minor leaguers Thursday. Oakland receives right-handed pitcher Daniel Mengden and catcher Jacob Nottingham in the swap with its division rival - and the Astros received a top-tier starter as they chase a playoff berth in the season's second half. The A's made the announcement ahead of their afternoon series finale against Toronto, so instead of Kazmir starting against the Blue Jays he was saying his goodbyes in the clubhouse. More...