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@susanslusser

Susan Slusser

I hear Gio Gonzalez is the #BlueJays' focus, as I'd also heard last week. They have too many outfielders after today's trade. #Athletics

1 hour ago via web

Oakland is looking for at least two high-value prospects and a few mid-range prospects in any trade involving Gonzalez, and the Blue Jays have potential impact players at all levels of the minors.

It's unclear if Toronto will want to part with more than one of its most valued prospects, though; the landscape has changed since the A's got six players, including Arizona's No. 1 and No. 3 prospects, for Dan Haren and Connor Robertson four years ago. More teams now try to hang onto top prospects in order to achieve better cost control.

There were indications that the Jays and A's, clubs that relish multi-team deals, might add a third team to the mix to try to find the right match. In addition, Oakland could sweeten any deal with a second player. There is interest in left-handed reliever Craig Breslow, as well as much of the rest of the A's bullpen.

I’ve heard from two sources that the Blue Jays are after A’s All-Star Gio Gonzalez, and that is an interesting development: Toronto frequently deals with the A’s, and the Blue Jays are stocked in the minors, especially after the Roy Halladay deal.

I ran a list of the Blue Jays’ top-rated prospects by one source – Oakland wants at least two of a team’s top four prospects for Gonzalez, plus some middle-level minor-leaguers – and I was told that Toronto has even better players in the lower minors that might be Oakland targets. The A’s aren’t looking for immediate help in any deal this winter, they’re looking for top talent that would be ready for a potential new stadium in three years. That could include players who are in the lower levels of the minors, now.

I think the other 11 teams I’m told are in the Gonzalez hunt will be nervous about Toronto’s interest. The Blue Jays have the wherewithal to make something happen because of their minor-league depth.

The Dallas Morning News just reported that the Rangers want Gonzalez, and the Phillies and Nationals were added to the group earlier in the day. I had heard the Phillies mentioned yesterday and was under the impression they’d asked about Gonzalez early in the process and didn’t think they’d be inclined to pony up the large asking price for Gonzalez, but they’re at the very least still keeping tabs on Gonzalez. Because, you know, the Phillies just don’t have enough starting pitching. The other known or reported teams: The Tigers, as I reported today; and also the Yankees, the Nationals, the Diamondbacks, the Reds and Miami.

JMH wrote:Top 2 from our 4 best + mid-levels is ridiculous for Gio. Thats essentially what you give up for an All-star.

Gonzalez was selected to the 2011 MLB All-Star Team. At the 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix, AZ, Gonzalez was called out to the mound with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and struck out the only batter he would face, Jay Bruce.

hyper316 wrote:^lol well played

Mak wrote:Gio's BAA last 2 years was lower than Roy's. That's pretty impressive, he just has to cut down his walks. What is his contract like? I trust AA will make a deal that makes sense for us, i don't think he'd overpay.

flatjacket1 wrote:

JMH wrote:Top 2 from our 4 best + mid-levels is ridiculous for Gio. Thats essentially what you give up for an All-star.

Gonzalez was selected to the 2011 MLB All-Star Team. At the 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix, AZ, Gonzalez was called out to the mound with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and struck out the only batter he would face, Jay Bruce.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gio_Gonzalez

When the bidding window for Yu Darvish closes at 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, one team will come away with the chance to sign one of the best remaining pitchers available on the winter shopping market.

The others can turn their attention back to Gio Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old A's left-hander remains the hottest name on the trade market, with the Tigers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rangers among the teams chasing him. Gonzalez will be arbitration-eligible in 2012, but a team acquiring him would have him under control for four years before free agency, which adds to his value.

For now, though, the A's are asking a sky-high price.

The Tigers could have something of an edge in the Gonzalez hunt, because A's general manager Billy Beane is said to be enamored with young Tiger right-hander Jacob Turner. The Tigers would be willing to deal Turner for Gonzalez, according to sources, but they balked at the A's request that they also include top prospects Nick Castellanos and Drew Smyly, as well.

The A's don't see much depth in the Tiger system, and may not agree to a deal that doesn't include both Turner and Castellanos, at the very least.

turtle_15 wrote:i think if we give up a ton for Gio it may push me over the edge, with what the reds gave up for lagos I'm getting nervous