Charlie Howard traded

The Hawaii Hounddogs have acquired Outfielder Charlie Howard and catcher Pudge Fernandez from Texas for 5 players: Outfielder Vernell Hightower, minor league outfielders Chip Atkinson and Chad Horlacher and minor league pitchers Vince Everts and Hershel Perry.

Howard, 33, hit a career best .330 last year with 16 homers and 81 RBI. His on-base percentage was an outstanding .426. Fernandez, 37, hit only .207 last year but brings veteran leadership to the Hounddogs. He will be playing in his 19th season, still excels defensively, and has two world series rings.

Hightower hit .265 with 19 homers last year and is expected to compete for time in left field and as a DH. Texas hopes the other players will put them in better position to compete in a year or two. Of the prospects, the most notable is Perry, who is the nephew of Krusty the clown.