Two weeks ago, veteran shortstop Jed Lowrie said he was open to leading the rebuilding Astros in 2013. Monday, Lowrie became just another piece in Houston’s unprecedented organizational revamp. The Astros sent Lowrie and right-handed reliever Fernando Rodriguez to the Oakland A’s in exchange for prospects Chris Carter, Brad Peacock and Max Stassi. The right-handed hitting Carter, 26, is a near-lock to make Houston’s 25-man opening day roster and could split time at first base, designated hitter and outfield. Peacock, 25, was a combined 15-3 with a 2.39 ERA during 25 minor-league starts in 2011 and spent major-league time in Washington with Astros manager Bo Porter, who previously was the [...]