The Oakland Athletics have acquired shortstop Jed Lowrie and pitcher Fernando Rodriguez from the Houston Astros for infielder Chris Carter, pitcher Brad Peacock and catcher Max Stassi.  Lowrie hit .244 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI in 97 games last season, while Rodriguez struggled to a 2-and-10 record with a 5.37 ERA in just over 70 innings.  Carter hit 16 home runs in 67 games, but only had an average of .239.  Peacock and Stassi both played in the minors in 2012 and are prospects.