ASTROS TRADE DEXTER FOWLER

   The Houston Astros have traded OF Dexter Fowler to former division rival the Chicago Cubs. In return the Astros will receive RHP Dan Straily and 3B Luis Valbuena. Fowler was a boon to the Astros last year and had career highs in many statistics. Straily struggled in 2014 as an occasional spot-starter for the Cubs, pitching to a bloated 6.75 ERA over 52 innings, but was much better in 2013 for the A’s when he was a true starter. Valbuena will most likely be filling a utility/bench role with the infield set with Jose Altuve, Jed Lowrie and Matt Dominguez.

    The Astros might not be done in the off-season market, as reports are surfacing that FA P Ryan Vogelsong was in Houston, the two are considered to be in serious negotiations. Vogelsong, 37, posted a 4.00 ERA and 151/58 K/BB ratio in 184 2/3 innings across 32 starts with the Giants last season.