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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

A’s get Samardzija

A person familiar with knowledge of the deal says the Oakland Athletics have an agreement in place to acquire right-handers Jeff Samardzija (pictured) and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs in a trade that makes one of baseball’s best pitching staffs even better. The source said the A’s will send top prospect Addison Russell, outfielder Billy McKinney and pitcher Dan Straily to the Cubs. Samardzija and Hammel give the two-time defending A.L. West champion A’s a powerful punch to add to a rotation that includes Scott Kazmir, Sonny Gray and Tommy Milone. The trade also is a rare move in which Oakland – one of baseball most frugal franchises – parted with talented young prospects for proven players to chase a World Series title. – Associated Press