In a nine-player spring training swap between Pittsburgh and the A’s net the Pirates Phil Garner

In a nine-player spring training swap between Pittsburgh and the A’s net the Pirates Phil Garner

In a nine-player spring training swap with Pittsburgh, the A’s send Phil Garner, Chris Batton, and Tommy Helms to the Pirates for Tony Armas, Mitchell Page, and four pitchers, including Doc Medich and Dave Giusti. Pittsburgh’s acquisition of infielder Phil Garner, the key player in the deal, will move a very disappointed Bill Robinson back into a utility role after he worked all winter to get ready to be the team’s everyday third baseman.