So, the A's have solved their middle-infield crisis for the time being in a massive, spectacular way.

Third player going from Oakland to Tampa Bay in the Escobar/Zobrist deal is A-ball outfielder Boog Powell. — keithlaw (@keithlaw) January 10, 2015

The #Athletics also are picking up the entire salaries for Zobrist and Escobar. — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 10, 2015

Ben Zobrist will be paid $7.5mm this year, and is a free agent next year. Yunel Escobar is signed for 2 years, $13mm with a team option in 2017.

This is squarely a win-now move, and an absolute sign the team expects to compete for the AL West next year.

Slusser points out that it is now possible for the A's to field all-RH and all-LH lineups, meaning great things for all you fans of platoons out there. It looks like Semien will be moved from the starting SS role to a super-utility role -- bad news for Eric Sogard and Andy Parrino.

More to come as more details emerge. Good morning!