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For the first 22 days of July, the trade deadline had been remarkably and excruciatingly slow. There weren't many rumors floating around about what teams were looking to acquire, and when there were, those rumors were almost immediately shut down. But on the 23rd day of July, the baseball gods smiled upon us, and Scott Kazmir was sent to Houston in exchange for some minor league prospects.
#Athletics trade LHP Scott Kazmir to Houston for RHP Daniel Mengden and C Jacob Nottingham; recall RHP Arnold Leon
— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) July 23, 2015
Neither Daniel Mengden nor Jacob Nottingham were top prospects for Houston, but both have upside.
Scott Kazmir is perfect for Houston. Didn't have to give up any of their highest-profile prospects and fortifies a rotation that needed it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 23, 2015
A's get Daniel Mengden -- a breakout guy from the 2014 draft -- and catcher Jacob Nottingham, who's tearing up the Cal League this year.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 23, 2015
While Oakland wound up agreeing with Houston on this deal, there were reportedly a few other teams in the mix.
dodgers, jays and royals were also thought to be on kazmir. but he goes home to houston. @susanslusser 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 23, 2015
Joel Sherman noted that while the Blue Jays were interested in Kazmir, nothing ever was close.
#Bluejays were among teams who talked to #athletics about Kazmir, but never felt a deal was close. Remember Tor and Oak know systems (cont)
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 23, 2015
of each other well from doing Donaldson deal in the offseason. Talked but couldn't find anything that fit
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 23, 2015
Jerry Crasnick reported that the Astros had Jeff Samardzija in their sights, but ultimately had to move on because of the White Sox unwillingness to commit.
The #Astros also had Jeff Samardzija on their radar, but couldn't afford to wait for #WhiteSox to decide on a course of action.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 23, 2015
Whether it was a coincidence, or a direct result of the trade market officially kicking off, the Padres are now open for business
#Padres officially are sellers. Venable, Benoit also could move, along with Kimbrel and any of SPs, with Ross perhaps least likely.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2015
Now that Kazmir is officially a member of the Astros, his new teammates have begun expressing their excitement, while at least one A's player was giving him a hard time.
.@scottkazmir19 Did we just become best friends?!?!?!
— Houston Astros Orbit (@OrbitAstros) July 23, 2015
Welcome Home @scottkazmir19!! We are excited to have you... @astros #HTownPride
— Carlos Correa (@TeamCJCorrea) July 23, 2015
One player joking in clubhouse: "Not even worth a big leaguer?"
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) July 23, 2015
Kazmir to the Astros should kick off a cascade of trades, and we could see something materialize quickly.
Royals&Blue Jays are all "in" on Cueto willing to move top prospect for rental, realizing value much higher than Kazmir..both need Game 1 P
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) July 23, 2015
There are only eight days left before July 31st has passed, and all eyes will be on players like Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, David Price, and many more. We finally have some action, and it should be a hectic week now that the flood gates have opened.