...before starting spring training, the Athletics acquired outfielder Jeremy Giambi from the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Brett Laxton. Friday's trade put Giambi on the same team as his older brother, A's first baseman Jason. Elsewhere, Andres...

...Sheff, INF Jose Ortiz, OF Mario Encarnacion and RHP Brett Laxton to their minor-league camp. TORONTO BLUE JAYS...Sheff, INF Jose Ortiz, OF Mario Encarnacion and RHP Brett Laxton to their minor-league camp. TORONTO BLUE JAYS...

...York Mets. OAKLAND ATHLETICS--Called up RHP Chad Harville from Vancouver of the Pacific Coast League. Optioned RHP Brett Laxton to Vancouver of the PCL. National League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS--Purchased the contract of RHP Dan Carlson from Tucson...

...Tampa Bay and Anaheim on Sept. 21. BOSTON RED SOX--Released RHP Mark Portugal. OAKLAND ATHLETICS--Recalled RHP Brett Laxton from Vancouver of the Pacific Coast League. National League CINCINNATI REDS--Activated 1B Hal Morris from the 15-day...

...undisclosed amount of cash. KANSAS CITY ROYALS--Activated 2B Carlos Febles from the 15-day disabled list. Optioned RHP Brett Laxton to Omaha of the Pacific Coast League. MINNESOTA TWINS--Named Ben Hirst general counsel. NEW YORK YANKEES--Placed...

...ROYALS--Optioned 1B Ken Harvey to Omaha of the PCL and RHP Kyle Snyder to Wichita of the Texas League. Reassigned RHP Brett Laxton to their minor league camp. NEW YORK YANKEES--Released OF Ruben Rivera. TEXAS RANGERS--Reassigned RHP Joaquin...

...one-year contract. OAKLAND ATHLETICS--Agreed to terms with LHP Eric DuBose, LHP Leo Vasquez, RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Brett Laxton, RHP Justin Miller, RHP Luis Vizcaino, INF Jose Ortiz, OF Bo Porter and OF Terrence Long on one-year contracts...

...2-for-2 for Florida and is batting .577 (15-for-26) this spring. Royals 7, Braves 2 At Haines City, Fla., Brett Laxton gave up two runs and three hits in four innings, allowing Andres Galarraga's third homer of the spring. Loser Bruce...

...Brito to their minor league camp. KANSAS CITY ROYALS--Released RHP Ken Ryan and LHP Billy Brewer. Optioned RHP Brett Laxton and LHP Jamie Walker to Omaha of the PCL. Reassigned RHP Doug Bochtler to their minor league camp. TAMPA BAY DEVIL...

...Ralph Millard, OF Terrell Lowery and OF Mark Budzinski to their minor league camp. KANSAS CITY ROYALS--Optioned RHP Brett Laxton to Omaha of the PCL. Assigned RHP Jeff Austin to their minor league camp. NEW YORK YANKEES--Optioned 1B Nick Johnson...