Moscoso Traded to the Oakland A's

Guillermo Moscoso, who was designated for assignment yesterday, has already been traded to the Oakland A's for minor league righthanded reliever Ryan Kelly.  Moscoso joins Rich Harden and Brandon McCarthy as former Rangers who have gone on to the A's this off season.

Moscoso came to the Rangers in the 2008 trade that sent catcher Gerald Laird to the Detroit Tigers.  He pitched 11 games for the Rangers in 2009-2010 combined with a 4.30 ERA.  He was a 7-7 pitcher in AAA in 2010, with a disappointing 5.18 ERA in 22 starts and one relief outing.  He became expendable due to the Rangers influx of relievers this off season, and his spot on the 40-man roster was losing it's grip due to his weak 2010 numbers.

Kelly was A's property, but has not pitched in the A's organization.  They acquired him from the Pirates in December.  Kelly is 23 and has pitched in A-ball for the last two years.  He threw 75 innings last year, with a 2-3 record and four saves and a 4.20 ERA.  He gave up 75 hits, 14 walks, and had 75 strikeouts.  His age, power-arm, and the fact he does not have to be put on the 40-man roster, all made him attractive to the Rangers.